politician

noun

pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpä-lə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce politician (audio)
1
: a person experienced in the art or science of government
especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government
2
a
: a person engaged in party politics as a profession
b
often disparaging : a person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons

Examples of politician in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Any politician trying to campaign against a more senior opponent would have to be careful about not sounding dismissive toward older Americans’ ability to contribute – after all, senior citizens are reliable voters. Patrick T. Brown, CNN, 9 Feb. 2023 Bill Clinton, who probably reveled in the act of campaigning more than any modern politician, waited until October 1991 to launch his race for president. Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 30 Jan. 2023 No other politician has ever spent and raised money on Facebook and Instagram like Donald Trump. Anchorage Daily News, 27 Jan. 2023 The constant infrastructure updates alone would provoke envy in any campaigning politician. Danielle Stein Chizzik, Town & Country, 22 Jan. 2023 The law previously barred any politician convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison from taking up a ministerial role for seven years after release. Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2023 In a constitutional republic such as ours, no politician has a right to anyone’s undying loyalty. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 4 Jan. 2023 In a woke era, no politician will admit to courting white voters. Dave Seminara, WSJ, 4 Dec. 2022 No national politician of her era can match her combination of legislative prowess, vote-counting savvy, negotiating skill, and fundraising ability. Molly Ball, Time, 18 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'politician.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of politician was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near politician

Cite this Entry

“Politician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politician. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

politician

noun
pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpäl-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce politician (audio)
: a person who takes an active part in party politics or in government business

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