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

Cerebral and soft-spoken, Sher was the antithesis of politicians nowadays. — Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

His punchy, slightly cornball charm, combined with a winning smile that neatly masked his Nixonian ambition, cemented Mulroney’s status as a modern Canadian politician, someone willing to lead the nation through the 1980s into an uncertain future. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

The refusal of too many politicians in both parties to make difficult trade-offs, instead choosing to say yes to almost everything, has put the country on its current path toward looming fiscal crises in the 2030s. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

There are, of course, many honorable people who own businesses and choose to become politicians. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 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