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.
Today, scientists, influencers, advocates and politicians are publicly condemning ultraprocessed foods. Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Violence follows 2007 presidential bid Odinga reached the peak of his powers as a politician in the 2007 presidential race, winning the support of kingpin leaders from other tribes who merged around him. CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 These missions are susceptible to cuts when politicians look to reduce spending. Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025 Scott, an attorney and former aspiring politician, was previously married to Ronna Romney from 1967 to 1992 and Sheri Jelalian from 2011 to 2016. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 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 17 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

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