public opinion

American  

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

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public opinion British  

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

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Etymology

Origin of public opinion

First recorded in 1560–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public opinion

Winter said: "That tells you the extent to which public opinion has ... corrupted."

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

They write rebuttals and give interviews, but also realize their strengths may not lie in swaying public opinion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026

The General Social Survey, a survey of public opinion, finds that after about 1994, Americans’ preference for harsher courts softened.

From Slate ● Oct. 26, 2026

Politicians and public opinion rallied to the cause in the 2010s partly due to fierce campaigning by families and former inmates.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026

As far as public opinion was concerned, the result of the raids was far more positive than even Palmer could have hoped for.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

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