adv. phr. 1. In a place open to the people; in such a way that the public may see, hear, or know; not secretly; openly. Two boys down the street are dancing in public for pennies. Actors are used to appearing in public. The mayor has told his friends that he is sick but will not admit it in public.
Antonym: IN PRIVATE. 2. See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC.