press release: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral; Business/Media/Administrative.
Quick answer
What does “press release” mean?
An official written statement or announcement, typically brief, issued to the media (newspapers, television, radio) to provide news or information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official written statement or announcement, typically brief, issued to the media (newspapers, television, radio) to provide news or information.
A primary tool in public relations and corporate communication used to shape public perception, announce events, respond to situations, or promote products, services, or achievements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow national norms (e.g., 'organisation' vs 'organization' within the text of the release).
Connotations
Identical; carries connotations of formality, official communication, and potential newsworthiness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both UK and US professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “press release” in a Sentence
[Organization] issued a press release on [topic].According to a press release from [source], ...The press release stated/confirmed/announced that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “press release” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will press-release the findings tomorrow.
- They haven't press-released the details yet.
American English
- The company plans to press-release the merger news after the markets close.
- We should press-release that update immediately.
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- We need the press-release template updated.
- He handled the press-release distribution.
American English
- Check the press-release draft for AP style errors.
- They have a strict press-release protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to announce financial results, mergers, executive appointments, or product launches.
Academic
Used by universities to announce research breakthroughs, major grants, or public events.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be mentioned when discussing news stories ('I read it in their press release').
Technical
Standard term in Public Relations (PR), marketing, and corporate communications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “press release”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “press release”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “press release”
- Using 'press conference' interchangeably (a press conference is a live event; a press release is a document).
- Misspelling as 'press realise'.
- Using incorrect prepositions: 'issue a press release *for* the media' (less common) vs. 'issue a press release *to* the media'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words: 'press release'. It is sometimes hyphenated ('press-release') when used as a modifier (e.g., press-release strategy).
While typically associated with organisations (companies, governments, NGOs), individuals, especially public figures like celebrities or politicians, can and do issue personal press releases through their representatives or PR firms.
A press release is created by an organisation to promote its own news or viewpoint; it is a form of source material. A news article is written by independent journalists who may use information from a press release but also add context, verification, and outside commentary.
Yes. While the distribution channels have expanded to include wire services, email, and social media, the press release remains a core, formal format for announcing news. It provides a standardised, on-the-record document for journalists and is also used for SEO and direct communication with the public via company websites.
An official written statement or announcement, typically brief, issued to the media (newspapers, television, radio) to provide news or information.
Press release is usually formal to neutral; business/media/administrative. in register.
Press release: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpres rɪˈliːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpres rɪˈliːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a journalist at a printing PRESS waiting for a story to be RELEASED from a cage. The organization opens the cage (releases) the prepared statement to the press.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A CAPTIVE ENTITY (released); COMMUNICATION IS SENDING (distributed, issued).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a press release?