politician

noun

pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpä-lə-ˈti-shən 

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

Trump's second term has seen the president double down on his ambition to acquire the minerals-rich island -- despite Danish and Greenlandic politicians repeatedly rebuffing him. —David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2026

These voices can be easily drowned out in a year like this one, in a state facing an uncertain fiscal future and a Legislature and executive branch packed with politicians planning their next move. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

Higher interest rates, slower consumption and investment, and higher unemployment are the costs of fighting inflation—costs no politician focused on winning the next election wants. —Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026

Yes, our mayor is Black and some of our politicians are people of color. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ian entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for politician

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

politician

noun

pol·​i·​ti·​cian ˌpäl-ə-ˈtish-ən 

: a person who takes an active part in party politics or in government business