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.
The city has had too many scandals and problematic politicians who have not attached crucial sectors of our city. Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025 With his recent comments, Johnson joins the chorus of right-wing commentators and politicians who have expressed outrage over the halftime show pick. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Oct. 2025 His current popularity and influence are partly down to his reputation as a charismatic politician who was able and willing to work with various Palestinian factions. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 In a June 2016 op-ed for the New York Times, the Master of None creator and star described how the anti-Muslim rhetoric from politicians has had a tangible effect on him and his family. Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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