public domain

Definition

Often preceded by in the.

Etymology

From public (“able to be seen or known by everyone”) + domain (“field or sphere of activity, expertise, or influence”).

Example Sentences

• "As the copyright in this book has lapsed, it is now in the public domain."
• "Any regime applied to the public domain should ensure such free use. Yet, the ‘public domainness’ does not guarantee as such a freedom to access to the resources it contains. Access to a public domain work will depend on many factors."
• "Very little information about the treaty is in the public domain."