public public /ˈpʌblɪk/

adjective

1. () Not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole  ( public )
   not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole
    The public good
   the public good
    Public libraries
   public libraries
    Public funds
   public funds
    Public parks
   public parks
    A public scandal
   a public scandal
    Public gardens
   public gardens
    Performers and members of royal families are public figures
   performers and members of royal families are public figures
   
2. () Affecting the people or community as a whole  ( public )
   affecting the people or community as a whole
    Community leaders
   community leaders
    Community interests
   community interests
    The public welfare
   the public welfare
   

noun

1. () People in general considered as a whole  ( populace , world , public )
   people in general considered as a whole
    He is a hero in the eyes of the public
   he is a hero in the eyes of the public
   
2. () A body of people sharing some common interest  ( public )
   a body of people sharing some common interest
    The reading public
   the reading public