public

The definition of public is something that is related to, available to or known by people.

(adjective)

Public is ordinary people or people within a community.

(noun)

All of the people in a given location are an example of the public.

See public in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of, belonging to, or concerning the people as a whole; of or by the community at large: the public welfare, a public outcry
for the use or benefit of all; esp., supported by government funds: a public park
as regards community, rather than private, affairs
acting in an official capacity on behalf of the people as a whole: a public prosecutor
known by, or open to the knowledge of, all or most people: to make information public, a public figure
Finance owned by shareholders whose shares can be freely traded, as on an exchange: a public company

Origin: ME < L publicus: altered (prob. infl. by pubes, adult) < poplicus, contr. of populicus, public < populus, the people

noun

the people as a whole; community at large
a specific part of the people; those people considered together because of some common interest or purpose: the reading public

See public in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, concerning, or affecting the community or the people: the public good.
Maintained for or used by the people or community: a public park.
Capitalized in shares of stock that can be traded on the open market: a public company.
Participated in or attended by the people or community: “Opinions are formed in a process of open discussion and public debate” (Hannah Arendt).
Connected with or acting on behalf of the people, community, or government: public office.
Enrolled in or attending a public school: transit passes for public students.
Open to the knowledge or judgment of all: a public scandal.

noun

The community or the people as a whole.
A group of people sharing a common interest: the reading public.
Admirers or followers, especially of a famous person. See Usage Note at collective noun.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English publik

Origin: , from Old French public

Origin: , from Latin pūblicus

Origin: , alteration (influenced by pūbēs, adult population)

Origin: of poplicus

Origin: , from populus, people

Origin: , of Etruscan origin

Related Forms: