Definitionspublic

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.

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.

go public To become publicly owned, by launching shares of stock onto the open market: The company went public after having been closely held for 12 years.

go public with Informal To reveal to the public a previously unknown or secret piece of information: The president finally had to go public with the scandal.

in public In such a way as to be visible to the scrutiny of the people: "A career is born in public—talent in privacy” ( Marilyn Monroe).