politicking

American  

[pol-i-tik-ing] / ˈpɒl ɪˌtɪk ɪŋ /

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.

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politicking British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌtɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. political activity, esp seeking votes

2. activity directed towards acquiring power and influence, achieving one's own goals, etc

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Other Word Forms

• nonpoliticking
  noun
• politicker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of politicking

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

politicking

That sense of peace and harmony didn't extend to the internal politicking at the Scottish FA.

From BBC ● May 7, 2026

Long intertwined with protest and politicking thanks to quick creation times and near infinite reproducibility, printmaking is still being used in the activist realm today.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026

Oregon law also prohibits public employees from politicking on the job.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2025

In presenting many of his bills or ideas, he acted as if they should pass by dint of their sheer excellence—as if old-school politicking was unnecessary and even distasteful.

From Slate ● Dec. 29, 2024

Or why there’s a k in politicking when there isn’t one in politics'?

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner