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

In comments on background, several council members said Raman doesn’t seem to have an interest in the kind of politicking needed to advance her agenda.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

"We have put him in the right forum to do his politicking," the prisons spokesman told the BBC, adding that Ampe did not show remorse when he appeared before the Prisons Council.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Many employees have aligned behind-the-scenes with D’Amaro or Walden, but no candidate wants to be seen as engaging in politicking, said people close to the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 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

It might take a while, and there might be a lot • - of politicking involved, but eventually New York bounced back from any misfortune.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer