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

Politicking is key, making Catan more like Westeros than the game’s pastoral cover art might suggest.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2023

During the 2012 US presidential election King moderated a debate between the minor party candidates, but his Politicking With Larry King, a weekly political show, never moved from those same two outlets.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2021

Politicking among candidates seeking to align themselves with the most powerful internal allies led to backbiting and undermined co-workers’ trust in each other, Ms. Zavo says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2018

Politicking at the edge of Iowa are lesser-known potential candidates, such as former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson, a retired Maryland neurosurgeon.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2015

Politicking grew so intense that at one point CAB Chairman Charles Murphy, citing "extensive receptions and similar functions," warned the airlines "not to exceed the bounds of propriety."

From Time Magazine Archive