political

American  

[puh-lit-i-kuhl] / pəˈlɪt ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or concerned with politics.

   political writers.

2. of, relating to, or connected with a political party.

   a political campaign.

3. exercising or seeking power in the governmental or public affairs of a state, municipality, etc..

   a political machine;

   a political boss.

4. of, relating to, or involving the state or its government.

   a political offense.

5. having a definite policy or system of government.

   a political community.

6. of or relating to citizens.

   political rights.

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political British  

/ pəˈlɪtɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the state, government, the body politic, public administration, policy-making, etc

2. 1. of, involved in, or relating to government policy-making as distinguished from administration or law

   2. of or relating to the civil aspects of government as distinguished from the military

3. of, dealing with, or relating to politics

   a political person

4. of, characteristic of, or relating to the parties and the partisan aspects of politics

5. organized or ordered with respect to government

   a political unit

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Other Word Forms

• antipolitical adjective
• antipolitically adverb
• nonpolitical adjective
• nonpolitically adverb
• overpolitical adjective
• overpolitically adverb
• politically adverb
• prepolitical adjective
• prepolitically adverb
• pseudopolitical adjective
• quasi-political adjective
• quasi-politically adverb
• subpolitical adjective
• subpolitically adverb
• unpolitical adjective
• unpolitically adverb

Etymology

Origin of political

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin polītic(us) “civic” ( politic ) + -al ¹

Explanation

Things that are political have to do with government, elections, and how society is run. Congress, state representatives, even county council members are all part of our political system. The Republicans and Democrats are the two main political parties in America — they support political candidates that run for office. The major things that politicians discuss, like balancing the budget, raising taxes, and immigration laws, are political issues. But if someone gets a promotion just because they're friends with the boss, you'd also say it was totally political. In other words, they got ahead because of their connections rather than their qualifications, just like a lot of politicians.

Example Sentences

The Founders recognized early on that the economic, social and political vitality of the American nation was intertwined with the physical health of its citizens.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In Mann’s eyes, the South African government’s disastrous bid for absolute political power is a cautionary tale with particular resonance today.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

When asked for comment, Kelsey Reinhardt, president and CEO of CatholicVote, a conservative political advocacy group, shared a statement on social media with Salon.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Xu, 67, was once one of China's richest billionaires and a member of China's top political advisory body.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

As Jackson’s land holdings, fame, and political ambitions grew, so did nasty gossip about Rachel’s first marriage.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis