the people who make up a community, state, or nation.
a particular group of people with a common interest, aim, etc.:the book-buying public.
Idioms
Idiomsgo public:
to issue stock for sale to the general public.
to present previously hidden or unknown information to the public:threatened to go public with the story.
Idiomsin public, in a situation open to public notice, view, or access; publicly.
Idiomsmake public, to cause to become known generally, as through the news media: [make + object + ~]He made the allegations public.[make + ~ + object]She made public her plans for reform.
of, pertaining to, or affecting a population or a community as a whole:public funds; a public nuisance.
done, made, acting, etc., for the community as a whole:public prosecution.
open to all persons:a public meeting.
Governmentof, pertaining to, or being in the service of a community or nation, esp. as a government officer:a public official.
maintained at the public expense and under public control:a public library; a public road.
generally known:The fact became public.
familiar to the public; prominent:public figures.
open to the view of all; existing or conducted in public:a public dispute.
pertaining or devoted to the welfare or well-being of the community:public spirit.
of or pertaining to all humankind; universal.
Idiomsgo public:
to issue stock for sale to the general public.
to present private or previously concealed information, news, etc., to the public; make matters open to public view:The Senator threatened to go public with his Congressional-reform plan.
Idiomsmake public, to cause to become known generally, as through the news media:Her resignation was made public this morning.
n.
the people constituting a community, state, or nation.
a particular group of people with a common interest, aim, etc.:the book-buying public.
British Termsa tavern; public house.
in public, not in private; in a situation open to public view or access; publicly:It was the first time that she had sung in public.
Latin, as above
Middle French
Latin pūblicus (earlier pōblicus, pōplicus, akin to populuspeople); replacing late Middle English publique