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.

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Etymology

Origin of public affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public affairs

Around 350 members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces arrived last week in Borneo's hard-hit West Kalimantan province, with three helicopters on hand to assist with firefighting efforts, the mission's public affairs officer Takeshi Koga told AFP.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

In my work as a professor of politics and public affairs, I pay close attention to the stories Americans tell about their past and the ways those stories shape civic identity in the present.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

Panettiere's decision to publicly share her struggles is worthy of respect, said William Moyers, the vice-president of public affairs for Hazelden Betty Ford, the largest nonprofit addiction treatment provider in the US.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Jacie Prieto Lopez, LA28’s vice president of communications and public affairs, said in a statement that her organization is pleased to forward the agreement to the council for consideration.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 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