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.
Winning the peace Tehran’s competing politicians maintain publicly that Iran has emerged triumphant in the war. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 There are signs that Democratic voters, especially, are looking for change, and some young voters argue older politicians can’t truly understand a world transformed by artificial intelligence, rising housing costs and student debt. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 In races across the country, former GOP politicians are leaning into their pasts. — Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026 Many politicians have either seized on the outrage or scrambled to shield themselves from the growing anger. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 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 2 Sep. 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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