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

See Examples For:

public sector

Brombil Reservoir Ltd warned that without public sector support or a partnership agreement, it could be forced to "decommission the reservoir".

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

California’s largest public sector union and the court reporters it represents warn the decision could allow the state’s court systems to stop hiring stenographers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

"We will be working collaboratively with public sector bodies to better understand the contribution they can make to increasing canopy cover in Wales," they added.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

The concern extends deep into the public sector as well.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

Debt relief from the G8 - announced in 2005 - also has   significantly reduced Bolivia's public sector debt burden.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency