politician

noun

pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpä-lə-ˈti-shən 

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

The arrest of journalists on charges related to doing their job has drawn widespread outrage and condemnation from free press and free speech advocacy groups, as well as several politicians. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026

This can help explain the success of politicians who center campaigns on affordability. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

They were shared again and again, dissected and debated by journalists, politicians, lawyers, activists and millions of people. —Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026

In the past, members of the Haitian community have felt betrayed by American politicians on both sides of the aisle. —Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ian entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for politician

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

politician

noun

pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpäl-ə-ˈtish-ən 

: a person who takes an active part in party politics or in government business