publication

noun

pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpə-blə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Examples of publication in a Sentence

The company specializes in the publication of dictionaries. She has a very impressive list of publications.
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.
The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, as the project is known, has led to more than two hundred scientific publications. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Her work has also been featured in publications including Allure, The Hollywood Reporter, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Time, and Business of Home. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025 Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. Chris Branch, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for publication

Word History

Etymology

Middle English publicacioun "act of making something public, promulgation,'" borrowed from Anglo-French publicacion, borrowed from Latin pūblicātiōn-, pūblicātiō "appropriation by the state, disclosure" (Late Latin, "making generally known, publicizing"), from pūblicāre "to make public property, appropriate to the state, make generally known" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at publish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of publication was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Publication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publication. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion ˌpəb-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce publication (audio)
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

Legal Definition

publication

noun
pub·​li·​ca·​tion
1
: the act or process of publishing
2
: a published work

More from Merriam-Webster on publication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!