politician

[ pol-i-tish-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who is active in party politics.
2. a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
3. a person who holds a political office.
4. a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
5. an expert in politics or political government.
6. a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.

politician

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən /

noun

1. a person actively engaged in politics, esp a full-time professional member of a deliberative assembly
2. a person who is experienced or skilled in the art or science of politics, government, or administration; statesman
3. derogatory.
   a person who engages in politics out of a wish for personal gain, as realized by holding a public office

Other Words From

• nonpol·i·tician noun
• self-poli·tician noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of politician¹

From the French word politicien, dating back to 1580–90. See politic, -ian

Synonym Study

Politician, statesman refer to one skilled in politics. These terms differ particularly in their connotations; politician is more often derogatory, and statesman laudatory. Politician suggests the schemes and devices of a person who engages in (especially small) politics for party ends or for one's own advantage: a dishonest politician. Statesman suggests the eminent ability, foresight, and unselfish patriotic devotion of a person dealing with (especially important or great) affairs of state: a distinguished statesman.

Example Sentences

They are model citizens, the kind of people whose lives might be used as exemplary stories by a politician in a stump speech.

From The Daily Beast

“He is a lifetime politician,” said one D.C.-based consultant.

From The Daily Beast

Which politician wants to defend federally-subsidized abortions for convicted criminals?

From The Daily Beast

He reiterated the statements “I am not a politician” and “I am not a political advisor” so often that it seemed like a verbal tic.

From The Daily Beast

“François Hollande never said a word out of line to me or behaved inappropriately with me—unlike many a politician,” she writes.

From The Daily Beast

The Marshal proved how often a strong soldier may be a weak politician, and in 1834 he resigned office.

From Project Gutenberg

Had he in him the makings of the mere trimmer and politician, in addition to the miserable vanity that had riven him to-day?

From Project Gutenberg

Col. Moore, a veteran politician of the Old Dominion, was a most pleasant and affable gentleman, and a great lisper withal.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall manage these men far better than Colton, who is the crudest type of American politician.

From Project Gutenberg

He started out as a mere or'nary politician, but the Democratic Boss took him up and his ambitions are growing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• congressperson
• lawmaker
• leader
• legislator
• member of Congress
• officeholder
• president
• representative
• senator