public sector

noun

1. the area of the nation's affairs under governmental rather than private control.

public sector

noun

1. the part of an economy that consists of state-owned institutions, including nationalized industries and services provided by local authorities Compare private sector

public sector

1. That part of the economy controlled by the government. ( Compare private sector .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of public sector¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Government borrowing was much higher than expected in October, as debt interest payments hit a record high and public sector pay rises contributed to higher spending.

From BBC

The government has said the NHS and the rest of the public sector would be shielded from the rise but that does not cover GP practices, many of which are run as small businesses.

From BBC

A week after the election, news broke that Musk has been chosen by Trump to co-lead an ill-defined “Department of Government Efficiency” with an evident mission to slash the public sector.

From Salon

UK public sector pension funds are not big enough to generate good returns for British savers, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told the BBC.

From BBC

The NHS and the rest of the public sector will be shielded from the rise, but GP practices, run as businesses but delivering NHS services, will be impacted.

From BBC