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Definition public in British English

public adjective

adjective
/ˈpʌblɪk/
1

available for people in general to use

Example

public transport

Example

a public library

Example

the city's attractive public spaces

Synonyms and related words
Example

There has been a public outcry about her imprisonment.

Example

The scheme has a lot of public support.

Example

a public nuisance/hazard

Synonyms and related words
1.2

used about something that anyone is allowed to watch, listen to, or take part in

Example

a public meeting/inquiry/hearing

Synonyms and related words
2

owned by the government, not by a private company

Example

The damage was restored using public money.

Example

public organizations

Synonyms and related words
3

relating to the part of your life that people in general know about, for example your work, rather than your life at home

Example

She keeps her public and private lives very separate.

Synonyms and related words
3.1

used about things that most people know about because they are not private or secret

Example

a very public display of unity

Example

the decision to make the results public

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3.2

used about places and situations where other people might see or hear you

Example

Can we go somewhere a little less public?

Synonyms and related words
Definition public in British English