publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert or commentator on public affairs

2

: one that publicizes

specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On New Year’s Eve, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including his crisis publicist Melissa Nathan, sued the New York Times for $250 million for libel. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

The Grammy-winning singer and pianist passed away at her home, surrounded by family, her publicist said. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

Flack died on Monday, Feb. 24, while surrounded by family, her publicist confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Weeks later, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing the trio of civil extortion and defamation. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert on public affairs

2

: press agent