political

adjective

po·​lit·​i·​cal pə-ˈli-ti-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to government, a government, or the conduct of government

b

: of, relating to, or concerned with the making as distinguished from the administration of governmental policy

2

: of, relating to, involving, or involved in politics and especially party politics

3

: organized in governmental terms

political units

4

: involving or charged or concerned with acts against a government or a political system

political prisoners

politically

pə-ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of political in a Sentence

The senator has changed political parties.

Health care has become a major political issue in recent years.

a group of political activists

We need a political solution rather than a military solution.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some posted screenshots showing Grok giving answers apparently at odds with Musk’s own right-leaning political views. —Will Knight, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2023

That win was a vindication of a kind for the band — in the aftermath of all The Chicks’ political troubles, the Recording Academy voters sent them a strong message of support. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 14 Dec. 2023

Given the current nature of the news cycle, NR print magazine changed to a monthly to emphasize longer-form, higher-level analytical material in print, including more in-depth thought pieces, while retaining a lively website covering hour-by-hour political and cultural developments. —Lindsay Craig, National Review, 13 Dec. 2023

Israel responded with a military campaign that commanders say will eradicate the militant group as a political and military force. —Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2023

Opponents called it a political stunt designed to draw attention. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023

Lee dismissed congressional probes as political stunts. —Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 13 Dec. 2023

Mark Murray Mark Murray is a senior political editor at NBC News. —Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2023

The Swiss city of Zurich, in second spot, was hailed for its political stability and high-quality infrastructure, while on the other side of the world, Auckland was praised for its high standard of healthcare and cultural dynamism. —Alex Millson, Fortune Europe, 12 Dec. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

politic or its source, Latin polīticus "of civil government, political" + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing political

• anti-political
• political action committee
• political favor
• political animal
• political prisoner
• political economy
• political science
• political football

• anti-political
• political action committee
• political favor
• political animal
• political prisoner
• political economy
• political science
• political football

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Kids Definition

political

adjective

po·​lit·​i·​cal pə-ˈlit-i-kəl 

1

: of or relating to a government or the conduct of government

2

: of or relating to politics

3

: organized in governmental terms

political units

4

: involving, concerned with, or accused of acts against a government or political system

political prisoners

politically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb