publish
PUHB-lihsh
Publish (verb) means to prepare and issue a written, printed, or digital work for the public to read or buy. Example: “The small press plans to publish her memoir next spring.”
verb
1
To prepare and issue a written, printed, or digital work for the public to read or buy.
"The small press plans to publish her memoir next spring."
"The novel was published in twelve languages."
"She finally published her first collection of poems."
2
To announce or make information officially known to the public.
"The council will publish the results of the survey on its website."
"Hospitals must publish their waiting times so patients can compare them."
"The government published the new tax figures on Monday."
3
To have one's own writing accepted and printed by a magazine, journal, or publisher.
"He hopes to publish his first novel with a small independent press."
"Several of her poems were published in the school magazine last term."
"She published in several academic journals before finishing her PhD."
How to use publish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put something out officially for the public to see, read, or buy — a book, a report, an article, or data.
Common pairings
publish a book
publish research
publish online
newly published
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- publishes
- Past tense
- published
- Archaic forms
- publishest, publishedst, publisheth
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The small press plans to _____ her memoir next spring.
Etymology
From Old French publier, from Latin publicare, "to make public," from publicus, "public."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “publish” mean?
The word “publish” means to prepare and issue a written, printed, or digital work for the public to read or buy. In plain terms, to put something out officially for the public to see, read, or buy — a book, a report, an article, or data.
How do you pronounce “publish”?
“Publish” is pronounced PUHB-lihsh (/ˈpʌblɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “publish” in a sentence?
Here is “publish” used in a sentence: “The novel was published in twelve languages.”
What is another word for “publish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “publish” include make known and post.
What is the opposite of “publish”?
The opposite of “publish” — its antonyms — is private.
What part of speech is “publish”?
“Publish” is a verb.
Where does the word “publish” come from?
The word “publish” comes from Latin. From Old French publier, from Latin publicare, "to make public," from publicus, "public.".
Is “publish” a common word?
“Publish” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between publish and print?
To print is to physically produce copies of something on paper. To publish is broader: it means to prepare and issue a work, whether printed or digital, for the public to read or buy. A work can be published online without ever being printed.
What is the difference between publish and announce?
Both can mean making information officially known to the public. Announce simply states something publicly, while publish often implies issuing it in a more formal, lasting, or documented form, such as in a report, journal, or official notice.
What is the difference between publish and post?
Post is the casual, everyday word for putting content online, such as posting to social media. Publish is more formal and suggests an official or finished release of a work to the public, whether in print or digital form.
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