politician

[ pol-i-tish-uh n ]
/ ˌpɒl ɪˈtɪʃ ən /

noun

a person who is active in party politics.
a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
a person who holds a political office.
a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
an expert in politics or political government.
a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.

Origin of politician

From the French word politicien, dating back to 1580–90. See politic, -ian

SYNONYMS FOR politician

4 Politician, statesman refer to one skilled in politics. These terms differ particularly in their connotations; politician is more often derogatory, and statesman laudatory. Politician suggests the schemes and devices of a person who engages in (especially small) politics for party ends or for one's own advantage: a dishonest politician. Statesman suggests the eminent ability, foresight, and unselfish patriotic devotion of a person dealing with (especially important or great) affairs of state: a distinguished statesman.

OTHER WORDS FROM politician

non·pol·i·ti·cian, noun self-pol·i·ti·cian, noun

Example sentences from the Web for politician

British Dictionary definitions for politician

politician
/ (ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən) /

noun

a person actively engaged in politics, esp a full-time professional member of a deliberative assembly
a person who is experienced or skilled in the art or science of politics, government, or administration; statesman
derogatory, mainly US a person who engages in politics out of a wish for personal gain, as realized by holding a public office