public figure

American  

[puhb-lik fig-yer] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈfɪg jər /

noun

public figures plural

1. a person who is widely known; celebrity.

   The journalist talked about the often troubled relationship between public figures and the news media.

   Famous athletes, actors, and other public figures have championed the issue.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• public figures
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public figure

Forbes was also a public figure in a proposal to redevelop Fisherman’s Wharf, which envisions constructing a public plaza and adding a new overlook and lighting to the wharf’s inner lagoon.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The BBC has been told potential claimants included "the usual suspects" who had won cases against other newspapers, as well as one public figure linked to the royal family.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

He is far from the only public figure whose identity has been exploited by scammers.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026

As SpaceX goes public, Shotwell is set to become a more public figure as well.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026

After checking with his attorney, he discovered that because he was a public figure, the producers—Paramount Pictures—had the right to use his name.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• someone
• whoever