English Reference
verb

publish

v.
US /ˈpəbɫɪʃ/ UK /pˈʌblɪʃ/ pub·lish UK spelling publishes

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    to prepare and produce a book, magazine, or newspaper for people to buy or read.

    to issue printed or digital material for public distribution or sale. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the work.

    Simple

    The company plans to publish his new novel in early spring.

    In context

    The university press decided to publish the research findings in a special edition, ensuring the data reached a global audience of specialists.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice when the focus is on the book rather than the company.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Internet

    to put content, such as a blog post or a video, on the internet for others to see.

    to make digital content available to the public via a website, social media platform, or application.

    Simple

    You can publish your travel photos on your blog for your friends to see.

    In context

    Once the editor approves the final draft, the system will automatically publish the article to the main news feed.

    Usage

    Commonly used with digital objects like posts, articles, or updates.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to make information known to the public in an official way.

    to announce or proclaim information formally to the public.

    Simple

    The government will publish the new tax rules later today.

    In context

    The committee is legally required to publish the results of the investigation to maintain transparency with the shareholders.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Academic Academic

    to have your writing or research accepted and printed in a journal or book.

    to have one's creative or academic work accepted for inclusion in a publication. Often used intransitively.

    Simple

    She was very excited to finally publish in a major medical journal.

    In context

    In the competitive world of academia, the pressure to publish frequently can sometimes compromise the depth of the research.

    Teacher's tip

    In academic contexts, 'publish' is often used without an object to refer to a person's professional success in getting work out.

Usage publish articles · later publish · originally publish


From Middle English publicen (by analogy with banish, finish), from Old French publier, from Latin publicare (“to make public, show or tell to the people, make known, declare, also (and earlier) confiscate for public use”), from publicus (“pertaining to the people, public”); see public.

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

This entry
Origin Latin publicare
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated