politician

noun pol·i·ti·cian \ ˌpä-lə-ˈti-shən \

Updated on: 15 May 2018

Definition of politician

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

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Recent Examples of politician from the Web

Last week, Iraqi politicians said they were concerned that the Trump administration’s cancellation of the Iran nuclear deal could push Iran to impose itself more forcefully in Iraq.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "Iraqis vote in first national election after toppling of Islamic State," 12 May 2018
The 86-year-old civil rights legend and politician spent three days at Vanderbilt before being transferred to Emory.

— ernie suggs, ajc, "Andrew Young ‘resting’ at Emory University Hospital after medical scare," 12 May 2018
Al-Abadi has sought to balance both Iranian and U.S. influence, against other Shiite politicians seen as closer to Iran.

— Washington Post, "Iraq’s Sunnis wary but hopeful about upcoming election," 12 May 2018
In addition, more Sunni and Shiite politicians are partnering up.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "Will Iraqis draw a line between mosque and state?," 11 May 2018
Above: See where Houston and Texas politicians get their money from.

— fernando ramirez, Houston Chronicle, "Texas town elects first Muslim councilman, defeating Tea Party candidate," 11 May 2018
Jump to the present, with academics and politicians of the left, singling out Jews and Israel for ancient accusations and new ones.

— reuven brenner, WSJ, "The Roots of Anti-Semitism," 10 May 2018
Portraying oneself as the sensible, no-nonsense outsider who can SHAKE THINGS UP IN WASHINGTON is the easiest way for would-be politicians to join the fray.

— jay willis, GQ, "Michael Cohen Is Rotten Because the System Is Rotten," 10 May 2018
On Thursday, politicians set competition aside to express their shock, to extend condolences to Kamenetz’s family and to heap praise on their colleague.

— doug donovan, baltimoresun.com, "Kevin Kamenetz's sudden death ends steady rise in Baltimore County, Maryland politics," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'politician.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

POLITICIAN Defined for English Language Learners

politician

noun

Definition of politician for English Language Learners

: someone who is active in government usually as an elected official

POLITICIAN Defined for Kids

politician

noun pol·i·ti·cian \ ˌpä-lə-ˈti-shən \

Definition of politician for Students

: a person who is active in government usually as an elected official

Learn More about politician

See words that rhyme with politician Spanish Central: Translation of politician Nglish: Translation of politician for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of politician for Arabic speakers

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politician

Definition of politician

Recent Examples of politician from the Web

Other Government and Politics Terms

POLITICIAN Defined for English Language Learners

politician

Definition of politician for English Language Learners

POLITICIAN Defined for Kids

politician

Definition of politician for Students

Learn More about politician

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