1 public domain | Definition of public domain

public domain

noun

Definition of public domain

1 : land owned directly by the government
2 : the realm embracing property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone

Examples of public domain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The battle over how to frame Mueller’s appearance, and the question of whether any mind can be changed three months after the report entered the public domain, will shape the outcome of the day. Alana Abramson, Time, "Mueller’s Testimony Isn’t Expected to Deliver Bombshells. Here’s Why It Still Matters," 24 July 2019 In the time before the chats burst into the public domain, the handsome and charming governor appeared to have a teflon coat. John Bacon, USA TODAY, "The once-untouchable Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló: Can he survive?," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'public domain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of public domain

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for public domain

public domain

noun
public do·​main | \ -dō-ˈmān\

Legal Definition of public domain

1 : land owned directly by the government
2 : the realm or status of property rights that belong to the community at large, are unprotected by copyright or patent, and are subject to appropriation by anyone

More from Merriam-Webster on public domain

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with public domain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public domain