public land

noun

: land owned by a government
specifically : that part of the U.S. public domain subject to sale or disposal under the homestead laws

Examples of public land in a Sentence

the management of public lands The government will auction off 20 parcels of public land.
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.
Organizers advocate for responsible clothing-optional use of public lands. — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Melero-Moose is an advocate for Native weavers losing access to traditional gathering sites on tribal and public lands. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026 Our story about the newest fight over public lands in Utah reveals longstanding debates over who controls the West. — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 His priorities include stopping corruption in Congress, making housing more affordable, protecting public lands, defending the Second Amendment and strengthening public schools, according to his website. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for public land

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public land was in 1789

Rhymes for public land

See All Rhymes for public land

Browse Nearby Words

public knowledge
public land
public law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Public land.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20land. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

public land

noun
: land owned by a government
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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