politico

¹ American  

[puh-lit-i-koh] / pəˈlɪt ɪˌkoʊ /

noun

plural

politicos

1. a politician.

---

politico- ² American  

1. a combining form representing political in compound words.

   politico-religious.

---

politico- ¹ British  

combining form

1. denoting political or politics

   politicoeconomic

---

politico ² British  

/ pəˈlɪtɪˌkəʊ /

noun

1. an informal word for a politician politician

---

Usage

What does politico mean? Politico 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, politico 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). Politico 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 pol can be used to mean the same thing. Example: We should be focusing on real issues instead of listening to endless rhetoric from politicos and pundits.

Etymology

Origin of politico

1620–30; < Italian or Spanish

Explanation

Someone who's involved in politics can be called a politico. If you're managing your friend's campaign for school president while simultaneously running for school treasurer, you're a bit of a politico. Politico is basically an informal way to say "politician," although the term also includes people who follow politics or act behind the scenes in the political arena. It's often used in a fairly negative way: "Those politicos will use any dirty tricks to get their guy elected." Politico is originally a Spanish word meaning "political."

Example Sentences

“People are looking at what’s next,” said the politico.

From Slate • Dec. 15, 2025

Critics of Fugate’s appointment stress that their anger isn’t directed at an aspiring politico enjoying a whirlwind entry to Washington.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

I’m not counting out De León, an obstinate politico who hasn’t yet announced a reelection bid but isn’t likely to go gentle into that good night.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2023

He also shared what he described as “one of earliest pieces of advice I received from a leading politico in my college days.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2022

The presidente told us, with delight, that the jefe politico of Ozuluama was there with his family, rusticating, and at once summoned him to meet us.

From In Indian Mexico (1908) by Starr, Frederick