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

Beyoncé's publicist has denied rumors that the singer's next album will be released the week of the Met Gala. —Caché McClay, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Right after Elizondo won in the Gateway City, his publicist consulted with him about an Oscar campaign. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026

Bray died at 80 in 2005, according to a Reuters report that credited Jackson's publicist Raymone Bain with making the announcement. —Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

The onetime publicist to the stars is also helping husband Steve McNamara with a meat and seafood subscription box called Steve’s Prime Meat Club. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

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