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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every Democratic politician must be arrested and the party banned under RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act]. Chad De Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025 Proposition 50 would lock that same culture into our election maps, giving politicians the power to protect themselves and their allies instead of voters. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025 On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces. Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025 Right-wing politicians have long used horrific crime stories – particularly those featuring Black suspects and White victims – to make broader criticisms of Democrats as soft on crime. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for politician

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of politician was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Politician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politician. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on politician

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