publicity

noun

pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈbli-sə-tē How to pronounce publicity (audio)
-ˈbli-stē
Synonyms of publicitynext
1
: the quality or state of being public
2
a
: an act or device designed to attract public interest
specifically : information with news value issued as a means of gaining public attention or support
b
: the dissemination of information or promotional material
c
: paid advertising
d
: public attention or acclaim

Synonyms of publicity

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Examples of publicity in a Sentence

His public appearances are good publicity for the new movie. An arrest for drunk driving is bad publicity for any celebrity. The film has gotten some good publicity. She has received a lot of publicity for her latest novel. The studio spent a lot of money on publicity for the movie.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Movie marketing and publicity specialist Rob Deacon has set up Phoenix Film Finance to leverage his expertise in the industry to make an impact on the independent production scene. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 Herman was responsible for brand development, marketing, publicity, promotion and sponsorships. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 Jeff Hiller’s surprise Supporting Actor in a Comedy win for Somebody Somewhere was the best publicity that show ever got, all from just one award. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026 Getting singled out by Sacha Baron Cohen‘s most infamous character turned out to be good publicity, not an insult, for Ed Sheeran. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for publicity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin pūblicitāt-, pūblicitās, from Latin pūblicus public entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publicity was in 1609

Phrases Containing publicity

Rhymes for publicity

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Browse Nearby Words

publicist
publicity
publicity stunt
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Cite this Entry

“Publicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicity. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

publicity

noun
pub·​lic·​i·​ty (ˌ)pə-ˈblis-ət-ē How to pronounce publicity (audio)
1
: the condition of being public or publicly known
2
: an act or device designed to attract public interest
especially : information with a news value designed to further the interests of a place, person, or cause
3
a
: an action that gains public attention
b
: the attention so gained
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