public relations

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc.

2. (used with a singular verb) the art, technique, or profession of promoting such goodwill.

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public relations British  

noun

1. 1. the practice of creating, promoting, or maintaining goodwill and a favourable image among the public towards an institution, public body, etc

   2. the methods and techniques employed

   3. ( as modifier )

      the public relations industry

2. the condition of the relationship between an organization and the public

3. the professional staff employed to create, promote, or maintain a favourable relationship between an organization and the public

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Etymology

Origin of public relations

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public relations

Given its long history, it is not surprising that Microsoft has built up a formidable government and public relations apparatus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

Favier, 57, was head of public relations for luxury fashion brand Dior.

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

In the months before, Lisa says a public relations agency had been tasked with producing AI-generated material that she and her colleagues were asked to edit.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

The 28-year-old, who works in public relations, and her husband, who works as a construction project manager at a real-estate company, paid $629,000 for the three-bedroom home.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

He had been a lieutenant colonel in public relations in Baltimore.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut