politicking

[ pol-i-tik-ing ]

noun

1. activity undertaken for political reasons or ends, as campaigning for votes before an election, making speeches, etc., or otherwise promoting oneself or one's policies.

politicking

/ ˈpɒlɪˌtɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. political activity, esp seeking votes
2. activity directed towards acquiring power and influence, achieving one's own goals, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈpoliˌticker, noun

Other Words From

• non·poli·ticking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of politicking¹

1925–30; politic (as v.) + -ing ¹, respelling to show non-assibilation of -c-

Example Sentences

Yet the very qualities that inspired such skepticism–the frenetic schmooziness, the relentless politicking–may have made Schumer the man for this moment.

From Time

America’s first formal efforts at curbing foreign politicking in the United States came in 1917, when lawmakers considered early restrictions that probably weren’t entirely politically fair.

From Time

Whether or not the allegations of unfair politicking hold up, on the question of the science of Oxitec’s work, at least some of the activists’ concerns lack sound footing.

From Time

Nixon famously won via a mix of tricks and some solid politicking.

From Ozy

Then presidential politicking transformed the Benghazi tragedy into an inside-the-Beltway circus.

From The Daily Beast

But true to form in this drawn out debate, what we are witnessing is a lot of politicking over what is fundamentally a non-issue.

From The Daily Beast

Stories on the justice system tend to focus on sensational—and rare—crimes or the partisan politicking of lawmakers.

From The Daily Beast

The ads are not intended to be political, he said, and awareness more than politicking and persuasion is the objective.

From The Daily Beast

After Tiller is largely devoid of politicking, instead choosing to simply follow the four doctors about their business.

From The Daily Beast

It couldn't have mattered to him what environment we used, but he was politicking where he shouldn't.

From Project Gutenberg

Public politicking or wrangling by delegates to a party congress would be unprecedented.

From Project Gutenberg