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
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News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing. Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Usle’s group created a petition in 2015, hoping to convince the Army Corps of Engineers and local politicians to halt the mural’s destruction. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 Establishment Democratic Party politicians are getting to know the feeling. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 For eight years, the group rallied city officials, politicians and advocates to petition the National Park Service and the city of Philadelphia to build a slavery memorial at the President's House. Deena Zaru, ABC News, 4 July 2026 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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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