public opinion

American  

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

---

public opinion British  

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

---

Etymology

Origin of public opinion

First recorded in 1560–70

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public opinion

“We simply ask that the court of public opinion cease to make any assumptions about any person involved until more information is publicly available.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

But there is a way to shape public opinion on this issue: Warren and her allies in Congress could simply point Americans toward an iconic redhead with pigtails.

From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2026

Analysts across the island’s political spectrum say public opinion hasn’t fundamentally shifted in favor of unification.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026

It remains to be seen how industry safeguards would play out and if they would be enough to sway public opinion.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 12, 2026

The invention of print, however, made it easier to manipulate public opinion, and the film and the radio carried the process further.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---