public Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun people in general considered as a whole
    world; populace.
    • he is a hero in the eyes of the public
  2. noun a body of people sharing some common interest
    • the reading public
  3. adjective not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole
    • the public good
    • public libraries
    • public funds
    • public parks
    • a public scandal
    • public gardens
    • performers and members of royal families are public figures
  4. adjective satellite affecting the people or community as a whole
    • community leaders
    • community interests
    • the public welfare

WordNet

Pub"lic adjective
Etymology
L. publicus, poblicus, fr. populus people: cf. F. public. See People.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the people; belonging to the people; relating to, or affecting, a nation, state, or community; -- opposed to private; as, the public treasury.
    To the public good Private respects must yield. Milton.
    He [Alexander Hamilton] touched the dead corpse of the public credit, and it sprung upon its feet. D. Webster.
  2. Open to the knowledge or view of all; general; common; notorious; as, public report; public scandal.
    Joseph, . . . not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. Matt. i. 19.
  3. Open to common or general use; as, a public road; a public house. "The public street." Shak.
Pub"lic noun
Definitions
  1. The general body of mankind, or of a nation, state, or community; the people, indefinitely; as, the American public; also, a particular body or aggregation of people; as, an author's public.
    The public is more disposed to censure than to praise. Addison.
  2. A public house; an inn. Scot. Sir W. Scott. Shak.

Webster 1913