Publicly means in a way that is open to everyone, where people can see, hear, or know about what's happening. When a principal makes an announcement publicly over the school intercom, every student hears it at once. When a company publicly releases a new product, they tell the world about it rather than keeping it secret.

The word often contrasts with doing something privately or secretly. You might tell your best friend something privately in a whisper, but if you announce the same thing publicly in front of the whole class, everyone knows. Politicians speak publicly at rallies and press conferences. Companies that are publicly traded sell shares that anyone can buy on the stock market, unlike private companies owned by just a few people.

When someone does something publicly, they accept that others will see and judge their actions. An athlete who apologizes publicly takes responsibility in front of fans and critics alike. This openness takes courage: it's easier to admit a mistake to one person than to acknowledge it publicly, where everyone can witness it.