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

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Both Hanke and Koppl frame big player dynamics as a broader structural shift rather than any single politician’s idiosyncrasy. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Moreover, Buchanan was known to have a close friendship with the Southern politician William Rufus DeVane King. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Establishment Democratic Party politicians are getting to know the feeling. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Alaska also demonstrates that the fear that dividends automatically create dependency or invite politicians to raid the principal is overblown. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 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 7 Jul. 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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