Word
publish
Phoneticspub·lish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpəbɫɪʃ/
UK/pˈʌblɪʃ/
Definitions
01to produce a book or magazine
A2 · Elementary
v. to prepare and produce a book, magazine, or newspaper for people to buy or read.
v. to issue printed or digital material for public distribution or sale. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the work.
“The company plans to publish his new novel in early spring.”
“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.
02to post online
B1 · Intermediate Internet
v. to put content, such as a blog post or a video, on the internet for others to see.
v. to make digital content available to the public via a website, social media platform, or application.
“You can publish your travel photos on your blog for your friends to see.”
“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.
03to make a formal announcement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to make information known to the public in an official way.
v. to announce or proclaim information formally to the public.
“The government will publish the new tax rules later today.”
“The committee is legally required to publish the results of the investigation to maintain transparency with the shareholders.”
04to have work accepted
C1 · Advanced Education Academic
v. to have your writing or research accepted and printed in a journal or book.
v. to have one's creative or academic work accepted for inclusion in a publication. Often used intransitively.
“She was very excited to finally publish in a major medical journal.”
“In the competitive world of academia, the pressure to publish frequently can sometimes compromise the depth of the research.”
Teaching tip
In academic contexts, 'publish' is often used without an object to refer to a person's professional success in getting work out.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “publish” in context.
Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/publish