public relations

noun

plural in form but usually singular in construction
often attributive
: the business of inducing the public to have understanding for and goodwill toward a person, firm, or institution
also : the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

Examples of public relations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
General and administrative expenses decreased to $3.1 million from $5.4 million, primarily due to lower professional fees and public relations expenses. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 After studying international business at California’s Pepperdine University, Kelly joined Wahaha in 2004, and led its marketing and public relations arm before becoming vice chairman in 2021. Yue Wang, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 The Jacksonville, Florida, resident had been picking up orders for groceries and other items on delivery apps after getting laid off from a six-figure public relations job shortly before the pandemic. Shannon Pettypiece, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 At White Castle, for example, Flippy robots have allowed employees to better focus on other aspects that improve a customer's experiences such as order accuracy and hospitality, said Jamie Richardson, the chain's vice president of marketing and public relations. Queenie Wong Los Angeles Times (tns), arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public relations 

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public relations was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near public relations

Cite this Entry

“Public relations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20relations. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

public relations

noun
1
: the business of creating public goodwill for a person, firm, or institution
2
: the degree of understanding and goodwill achieved

More from Merriam-Webster on public relations

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