publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpə-blə-sist 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert or commentator on public affairs

2

: one that publicizes

specifically : press agent

Examples of publicist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Well, Hollywood insider Rob Shuter reports that Lively fired her longtime publicist Leslie Sloane. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Oct. 2026

Another celebrity publicist tells VF that when a fake gets momentum, their team might quietly go to a micro-influencer or a gossip account like Deux Moi to debunk it. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026

The Star emailed a publicist for the Fox program, as well as Bradley’s for more information, including about when the episode might air, but didn’t hear back before publication. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Joey is a writer and editor, TV/radio personality, former entertainment publicist, and author of Basic Bitchen. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicista, probably from Latin pūblicum in jūs pūblicum "public law" (neuter of pūblicus public entry 1) + -ista -ist entry 1

Note: The Latin word was used in reference to expertise in public law within the Holy Roman Empire, a usage that apparently was extended to international law (traditionally jūs gentium "law of nations"). Earlier adaptations in German (Publicist, now Publizist) and French (publiciste) could be the direct source of the English word. Senses 1b and 2 may be from public(ize) + -ist entry 1.

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

publicist

noun

pub·​li·​cist ˈpəb-lə-səst 

1

a

: an expert in international law

b

: an expert on public affairs

2

: press agent