public servant

American  

noun

1. a person holding a government office or job by election or appointment; person in public service.

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public servant British  

noun

1. an elected or appointed holder of a public office

2. British equivalent: civil servant.  a member of the public service

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Etymology

Origin of public servant

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Peters was convicted on several charges including attempting to influence a public servant, violating her elections duty and conspiring to commit criminal impersonation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The obscure law bans a person from soliciting or receiving nonpublic information from a public servant by means of their office or employment with the intent to obtain a benefit.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

That was in keeping with the career of a public servant who had spent four decades serving both Democratic and Republican presidents.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

Alberto Carvalho is a dedicated public servant committed to the students and families of the Los Angeles Unified School District,” the statement also said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

But if this were true, Zeitoun thought, he was a very dedicated public servant.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

• civil servant
• elected official