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Definition 2024


public_record

public record

English

Noun

public record (usually uncountable, plural public records)

  1. (uncountable) Information that has been filed with or recorded by a government agency.
    The city's annual budget is in the public record, so if we want, we can go back and see how it's changed over time.
    Political donations are a matter of public record; your vote is private, but anyone can see how you donate.

Usage notes

  • Though not all of the public record is necessarily accessible to the general public, phrases such as in the public record and a matter of public record nonetheless carry the implication of public availability.

Adjective

public record

  1. Being a matter of public record (see above); being in the public record.