public sector

American  

noun

1. the area of the nation's affairs under governmental rather than private control.

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public sector British  

noun

1. the part of an economy that consists of state-owned institutions, including nationalized industries and services provided by local authorities Compare private sector

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public sector Cultural  

1. That part of the economy controlled by the government. (Compare private sector.)

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Etymology

Origin of public sector

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Efforts are being made by the public sector to crack down on staff who work multiple different jobs at the same time, in secret.

From BBC

There are many major public sector projects in the pipeline, including the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, as well as coastal protection and flood mitigation works.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said the government was "stabilising the economy, reducing borrowing, rooting out waste in the public sector".

From BBC

In contrast, public sector workers saw their wages jump but, the ONS said, this was likely due to pay rises being awarded earlier than in the previous year.

From BBC

“Absolutely not. And what you will see, whether it’s in a private sector or public sector, no one ever reaches all of the goals that are designed.”

From Los Angeles Times