not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole; the public good; public libraries; public funds; public parks; a public scandal; public gardens; performers and members of royal families are public figures'

people in general considered as a whole; he is a hero in the eyes of the public

[ Syn: populace , world ]

a body of people sharing some common interest; the reading public'

affecting the people or community as a whole; community leaders; community interests; the public welfare'