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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Police officers arrested a Libertarian candidate for the North Carolina Senate on Monday after an hourslong armed standoff with the aspiring politician. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026 The voter apathy was attributed by observers to a general mistrust in politicians. — Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 Following the politicians’ speeches, the opening ceremony introduced all the main sections and juries of this year’s Tokyo film festival line-up. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 Outside school grounds, politicians are playing recess games and monkeying with the rules, tossing our children around like political footballs. — Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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
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