pol

¹ American  

[pol] / pɒl /

noun

Informal.

1. a politician, especially one experienced in making political deals, exchanging political favors, etc.

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POL ² American  

1. petroleum, oil, and lubricants.

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pol. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. political.

2. politics.

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Pol. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. Poland.

2. Also Pol Polish.

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Pol. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Poland

2. Polish

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POL ² British  

abbreviation

1. petroleum, oil, and lubricants

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Usage

What does pol mean? Pol is an informal word for a politician—a person who holds or is seeking political office as an elected government official.Like the word politician, pol is most commonly used in the context of politicians campaigning, giving speeches, and promoting themselves, as opposed to the activities that they do as part of being a government official—voting, debating issues, and working to find solutions to problems (in which case a politician might be called a representative or officeholder—or a legislator or lawmaker, if they work in a lawmaking capacity).Pol is especially used to refer to a long-term politician who’s experienced in making political deals or exchanging political favors.For that reason, it’s often used in a negative way, such as to refer to politicians who are considered members of the establishment.The informal term politico can be used to mean the same thing.Example: We should be focusing on real issues instead of listening to endless rhetoric from pols and pundits.

Etymology

Origin of pol

First recorded in 1940–45; by shortening

Example Sentences

She was new, different and had an interesting story as a waitress who ousted an out-of-touch machine pol.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

But some are already drawing parallels with another Arizona pol who Gallego replaced: former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who left the Democratic Party before deciding against a run for reelection.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025

Yet the veteran California pol, a determined survivor, is the key to guiding his party to a shutdown resolution.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2023

"He put the pol attitude and wouldn't give a direct answer, but he weren't allowed to do that. I don't think he's ever been questioned and pushed into corners the way we did."

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2023

By the way is magnesia good on these occasions? iii pol: med: sum: ante noct: in rub: can:.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 6 Letters 1821-1842 by Lamb, Mary