public servant

noun

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

public servant

noun

1. an elected or appointed holder of a public office

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of public servant¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

“When EPA funding and staffing are undercut, it doesn’t just hurt these public servants, it hurts us all,” Arroyo said.

From Los Angeles Times

Accountability of public servants is at the heart of democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

The commission also unearthed new evidence that showed senior public servants who designed and ran the scheme knew it was unlawful.

From BBC

Since joining the House of Lords she has used her speeches to warn about proposed cuts to the civil service, criticising those who call public servants "pen pushers".

From BBC

Last year, Mexico experienced its deadliest election campaign in history, with around 200 politicians, candidates and public servants murdered in the lead-up to June elections.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil servant 
• elected official www.thesaurus.com