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.
But local politicians and parties to the settlement say scrapping the Biden-era pact would require years of federal review and public engagement. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement. — David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 But candidates and even politicians not on the ballot were out on Friday and Saturday to promote voting and get in one last pitch at anyone heading in to cast their vote. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 This was done to prevent politicians and anyone inside the government from having undue influence on what grants get awarded to whom—like grifter type of stuff. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for politician

Word History

Etymology

politic or politic(s) + -ian entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of politician was in 1589

Rhymes for politician

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Browse Nearby Words

politicaster
politician
politicise
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Cite this Entry

“Politician.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politician. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of politician for Spanish Speakers

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