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public domain

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌpʌblɪk dəˈmeɪn/

public domain means: Books, images, or inventions that anyone may use because copyright or patent rules do not protect them.

noun

FREE TO USEC1

Books, images, or inventions that anyone may use because copyright or patent rules do not protect them.

  • This painting is in the public domain.
  • Her early novels have entered the public domain.
  • Can we use music from the public domain?

How to use it: in the public domain (The old illustration is in the public domain.); enter the public domain (The poem will enter the public domain next year.)

Common phrases: the public domain, public domain works, public domain images

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGEC1

The state of being known or available to everyone, rather than kept secret.

  • The facts are in the public domain.
  • These documents entered the public domain last week.
  • How much information is now in the public domain?

How to use it: in the public domain (The figures are already in the public domain.); into the public domain (The investigation brought those details into the public domain.)

Similar words: public knowledge

Common phrases: the public domain, in the public domain

NO OWNERC1

The state of belonging to nobody, so anyone can use it.

  • The resource is in the public domain.
  • They placed their shared collection in the public domain.
  • Does this material belong in the public domain?

How to use it: in the public domain (These shared resources are in the public domain.)

Common phrases: the public domain, in the public domain

PUBLIC LANDC2

Land held for the public that has not been given or sold to a private owner.

  • The valley remained in the public domain.
  • Settlers claimed land from the public domain.
  • The survey identified acres still in the public domain.

How to use it: in the public domain (Those western lands remained in the public domain.)

Similar words: public land

Common phrases: the public domain, public domain land

Questions about public domain

What does public domain mean?

Books, images, or inventions that anyone may use because copyright or patent rules do not protect them.

What is public domain in other languages?

Türkçe: kamu malı · Español: dominio público · Français: domaine public · Deutsch: Gemeinfreiheit · Italiano: pubblico dominio · 日本語: パブリックドメイン

How do you pronounce public domain?

It is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk dəˈmeɪn/.

How do you use public domain in a sentence?

This painting is in the public domain. Her early novels have entered the public domain.

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public domain in other languages

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