public figure

[ puhb-lik fig-yer ]

noun

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.

Example Sentences

This is quite an ambitious miniseries telling a rather complex story about a very public figure — all over the course of 10 episodes.

From Los Angeles Times

“I know I’m a public figure and I’m Keke Palmer and ‘It’s yo’ girl!’” she says, putting on an upbeat voice.

From Los Angeles Times

Put simply: If you have spoken out against the former president at any point, whether you’re a public figure or a private citizen, you will not be safe from a knock at the door in the middle of the night with armed agents waiting to carry out Trump’s wrath.

From Slate

I always hear people criticize a celebrity or public figure who makes a political comment, but I think especially younger people see them as not just people, but as aspirational.

From Slate

He was a well-known public figure who had links to senior figures in Parliament and courted royalty and celebrities alike.

From BBC

Related Words

• someone
• whoever