publicity

[ puh-blis-i-tee ]

noun

1. extensive mention in the news media or by word of mouth or other means of communication.
2. public notice so gained.
3. the measures, process, or business of securing public notice.
4. information, articles, or advertisements issued to secure public notice or attention.
5. the state of being public, or open to general observation or knowledge.

publicity

/ pʌˈblɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. 1. the technique or process of attracting public attention to people, products, etc, as by the use of the mass media
   2. ( as modifier )

      a publicity agent

2. public interest resulting from information supplied by such a technique or process
3. information used to draw public attention to people, products, etc
4. the state of being public

Other Words From

• nonpub·lici·ty noun
• over·pub·lici·ty noun
• propub·lici·ty adjective
• super·pub·lici·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of publicity¹

1785–95; < French publicité < Medieval Latin pūblicitās. See public, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of publicity¹

C18: via French from Medieval Latin pūblicitās; see public

Example Sentences

She has waived her right to anonymity so the entire trial can be heard in court in Avignon in the full glare of publicity.

From BBC

Every chapter of this case has played out in the full glare of publicity because Ms Pelicot has waived her anonymity, making the whole trial open to the media and the public.

From BBC

He also admitted to Coltart that he took photographs of naked boys, but said they were "from shoulders up" for publicity purposes.

From BBC

Jones wanted to save Powell from being associated with the negative publicity that surrounded rap music.

From BBC

Gun told the radio show that the negative backlash and subsequent level of publicity led her to decide she needed to quit competitive breakdancing.

From Salon

Related Words

• attention
• clout
• commercial
• distribution
• fame
• hoopla
• hype
• noise
• notoriety
• propaganda