public debt

American  

noun

1. national debt.

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public debt British  

noun

1. the total financial obligations incurred by all governmental bodies of a nation

2. another name for national debt

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Etymology

Origin of public debt

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

With many countries already facing elevated budget deficits and rising public debt, they called on policymakers to take a narrow and temporary approach to such support, suggesting direct transfers to households most at risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Better infrastructure could boost long-term growth, Vietnam analyst Le Hong Hiep told AFP, but poor management of the projects "could overheat the economy, leading to inflation, higher public debt, fiscal strain, and ultimately macroeconomic instability".

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

But its public debt – standing at more than 130% of the total annual size of the economy - is high.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They typically lend to medium-size companies that can’t readily access public debt markets.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

The public debt outstanding for an average population of 33 million rose from $2.80 to $75 per capita between 1861 and 1865.

From The Civil War Centennial Handbook by Price, William H.