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

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

“Not only has he not come up with a plan, he has pretended we don’t need one,” said Patrick Murphy, a professor of public affairs at the University of San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

Impressive agencies of many stripes noticed: advertising, branding, public affairs, strategic comms.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

“It shows the importance of work and marriage,” said Sara S. McLanahan, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton who specializes in family and poverty.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times