English Reference

Word

publication

Phoneticspub·li·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌpəbɫɪˈkeɪʃən/

UK/pˌʌblɪkˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01the act of publishing

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic

n. the process of preparing and printing a book, magazine, or article so people can buy or read it.

n. the act of issuing or making a work available to the public; often used in academic contexts regarding research papers.

“The publication of his first novel was the proudest moment of his life.”

“The rapid publication of the clinical trial results was essential for informing public health policy during the crisis.”

Usage

uncountable in the sense of the general process; countable when referring to a specific event.

02a book or magazine

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific book, magazine, or report that has been printed and made available.

n. a specific printed or digital work, such as a journal, newspaper, or book, offered for sale or distribution.

“The library has a large collection of scientific publications from the last century.”

“The researcher has authored several influential publications in the field of renewable energy over the last decade.”

Usage

countable noun.

03making information public

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. the act of making information known to everyone.

n. the communication of information to the general public, often in a formal or legal context.

“The publication of private documents caused a major scandal in the government.”

“The court ruled that the publication of the witness's identity would pose a significant risk to their personal safety.”

Usage

uncountable noun.

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “publication” in context.

Adjective

01. later publication

“The author added a new preface for the later publication of the novel.”

adj + noun

02. original publication

“The original publication of the research took place in a small medical journal.”

adj + noun

03. recent publication

“Her recent publication has received positive reviews from critics worldwide.”

adj + noun

04. publication in our letters

05. publication produce

06. publication questions

Real-World Examples

“Cambridge initially said claims of plagiarism regarding Arday's thesis and some journal publications had been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the journals in question.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026
“They are, Nixon says, Beckett’s own personal witness statement, and were not meant for publication.”
The Guardian 15 Aug 2026
“The university has denied supporting Arday’s efforts to stop publication of critical coverage in the Times Higher magazine last year, or funding his use of lawyers.”
The Guardian 7 Aug 2026
“Books in the program become open access three years after publication.”
JSTOR Daily 8 Jul 2026

Etymology

From Middle English publicacioun, from Old French publicacion, from Latin pūblicātiō. By surface analysis, public + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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