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

Grutman popped in and out of the space the entire time we were there, rather than letting an assistant and public relations executive oversee the video crew rearranging furniture in his living room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management, another Barron’s-ranked advisor, says the move by Fidelity might be more about public relations than anything else.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

The race to adapt on the battlefield has been sharpened by a parallel public relations war.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

The move created the first public relations fiasco under Weiss’ watch and tarnished the strong journalistic reputation of “60 Minutes.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Ignoring all her warnings, the Treasury public relations department pushed the story.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield