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

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

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Baron’s mutual-fund division, and its Wall Street public relations firm Prosek Partners, refuses to explain, or even discuss, how this number is reached.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Salon has tried to contact Chopra several times through the public relations firm that represents him, but has not received a response.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

To his credit, said the 65-year-old retired public relations strategist, Becerra has largely kept clear of controversy and there’s never been a whiff of personal scandal — an important consideration after Swalwell’s spectacular self-destruction.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

There was no reason for him to remember any of these encounters, and he didn’t: When my book came out, and became a public relations nuisance to him, he’d told reporters we’d never met.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis