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public affairs

American  

noun

  1. (used with a plural verb) matters of general interest or concern, especially those dealing with current social or political issues.

  2. (used with a singular verb) the field of study dealing with current social or political issues.


Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

People don’t need approval to host these impromptu gatherings, said Dash Stolarz, director of public affairs at the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 13, 2026

"The benefits that are provided by trees are only provided by trees," said Inigo Atkin, the charity's public affairs manager.

From BBC May 24, 2026

Professor of professional practice in international and public affairs, and founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University.

From The Wall Street Journal May 16, 2026

Filings under the Foreign Agents Registration Act last week revealed conservative political consultant Stone has been commissioned through consulting firm the DCI Group to provide "public affairs services" to Myanmar's information ministry.

From Barron's May 5, 2026

It violated the core of virtue and disinterestedness presumed essential for anyone properly equipped to oversee public affairs.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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