public domain

noun
UK: /ˌpʌblɪk dəˈmeɪn/
US: /ˌpʌblɪk doʊˈmeɪn/

  1. Materials such as writings or images that are not protected by copyright and are available for anyone to use.

    1. This song is in the public domain, so anyone can use it.
    2. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain and can be freely used.

  2. The state of belonging or being available to the public as a whole, and therefore not subject to copyright.

    1. The old stories are now in the public domain.
    2. After many years, the book fell into the public domain, allowing for adaptations.

Synonyms

unrestricted open-source
public domain verb

  1. To release something, like a creative work, for free use by the public.

    1. They put the software into the public domain.
    2. The author chose to public domain his work, forgoing royalties.
public domain adjective

  1. Not subject to copyright restrictions, allowing free use by anyone.

    1. This is a public domain image, free to use.
    2. We used public domain sound effects in the movie, saving on costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "public domain" in English means: Materials such as writings or images that are not protected by copyright and are available for anyone to use., The state of belonging or being available to the public as a whole, and therefore not subject to copyright..

The phonetic transcription of "public domain" is /ˌpʌblɪk dəˈmeɪn/ in British English and /ˌpʌblɪk doʊˈmeɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "public domain": unrestricted, open-source.

Example usage of "public domain": "This song is in the public domain, so anyone can use it.". More examples on the page.