publicist
Americannoun
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a person who publicizes, especially a press agent or public-relations consultant.
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an expert in current public or political affairs.
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an expert in public or international law.
noun
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a person who publicizes something, esp a press or publicity agent
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a journalist
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rare a person learned in public or international law
Etymology
Origin of publicist
From German, dating back to 1785–95; see origin at public, -ist
Explanation
A publicist creates a media buzz for movie stars, restaurants, or whoever else needs attention. A publicist for a new restaurant might send out a press release to newspapers and magazines announcing the opening, emphasizing the fabulous. Those whose careers depend on getting attention in the media (on TV and the internet, for example) sometimes pay a publicist to generate coverage in the press. Actors, restaurants, writers, and oil companies are all things or people that commonly use publicists. In the eighteenth century, the word instead meant "person who knows public law" or "writer on current topics."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But “the hardest thing for people like me,” he says, “is getting new fans. Industry wide, everybody’s asking themselves that question. Every artist, every manager, every publicist is like, ‘Yeah, you’ve got your fans.
From Salon • May 15, 2026
Contacted by AFP, Taylor Swift's publicist did not immediately respond.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
The publicist believes relationships between celebrities and traditional paparazzi photographers are more mutual and transactional, compared to some of the newer forms of fan surveillance.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
The singer and guitarist died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nev., his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
“So how do you feel about your decision to do this now that you’re halfway across Washington? Your publicist, Olivia Ogden, said you’ve gone almost—” She checks her notes.
From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
