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noun

publicist

Publicist (noun) means someone whose job is to promote a person, brand, or event and manage their public image. Example: “The actress's publicist issued a statement denying the rumors.”

noun
1
Someone whose job is to promote a person, brand, or event and manage their public image.
"The actress's publicist issued a statement denying the rumors."
"He hired a publicist to help launch his new book."
2
A political commentator or writer who focuses on public affairs.
"The newspaper's leading publicist wrote a scathing piece on the new policy."

How to use publicist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe person behind the scenes who gets you good press.

Common mistake

A publicist promotes and manages image; a journalist reports news independently — don't mix the two up.

Common pairings
hire a publicist the star's publicist a publicist for the campaign

Word forms

publicists plural

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Fill the gap

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The actress's _____ issued a statement denying the rumors.

Etymology

Borrowed from French publiciste, built from public plus the agent suffix -ist.

Origin: French

publicizer publiciser

Rhymes for publicist

See all rhymes for publicist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “publicist” mean?

The word “publicist” means someone whose job is to promote a person, brand, or event and manage their public image. In plain terms, the person behind the scenes who gets you good press.

How do you use “publicist” in a sentence?

Here is “publicist” used in a sentence: “The actress's publicist issued a statement denying the rumors.”

What part of speech is “publicist”?

“Publicist” is a noun.

Where does the word “publicist” come from?

The word “publicist” comes from French. Borrowed from French publiciste, built from public plus the agent suffix -ist.

How many meanings does “publicist” have?

“Publicist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone whose job is to promote a person, brand, or event and manage their public image.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial