First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1public
adjective pub·lic \ˈpə-blik\
: of, relating to, or affecting all or most of the people of a country, state, etc.
: of, relating to, paid for by, or working for a government
: supported by money from the government and from private contributors rather than by commercials
Full Definition of PUBLIC
1
2
a : of, relating to, or affecting all the people or the whole area of a nation or state <public law> b : of or relating to a government c : of, relating to, or being in the service of the community or nation
4
: of or relating to business or community interests as opposed to private affairs : social
5
: devoted to the general or national welfare : humanitarian
6
a : accessible to or shared by all members of the community b : capitalized in shares that can be freely traded on the open market —often used with go
7
: supported by public funds and private contributions rather than by income from commercials <public radio> <public television>
— pub·lic·ness noun
See public defined for English-language learners
See public defined for kids
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Origin of PUBLIC
Middle English publique, from Anglo-French, from Latin publicus; akin to Latin populus people
Related to PUBLIC
- Synonyms
- open, on record
- Antonyms
- confidential, private, privy, secret
2public
noun
the public : the people of a country, state, etc.
: a group of people who have a shared interest, quality, etc.
Full Definition of PUBLIC
1
: a place accessible or visible to the public —usually used in the phrase in public
2
: the people as a whole : populace
3
: a group of people having common interests or characteristics; specifically : the group at which a particular activity or enterprise aims
See public defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PUBLIC
15th century
PUBLIC Defined for Kids
1public
adjective pub·lic \ˈpə-blik\
Definition of PUBLIC for Kids
1
: open to all <a public library>
2
: of or relating to the people as a whole <public opinion>
3
: known to many people : not kept secret <The story became public.>
4
: of, relating to, or working for a government or community <a public prosecutor> <My uncle holds public office.>
2public
noun
Definition of PUBLIC for Kids
1
: the people as a whole <The sale is open to the public.>
2
: a group of people having common interests <The author is adored by her public.>
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