politician

• polititian (obsolete)

politic +‎ -ian

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪʃ.ən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /pɑl.ɪˈtɪʃ.ən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

politician (plural politicians)

1. One engaged in politics, especially an elected or appointed government official.
   • 2013 August 31, “The Satirical Verses”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8851:

     It is not just politicians who find aspects of the explosion in satire unwelcome. Thanks to the internet, professional purveyors of the stuff face a lot more competition. For once, the joke is at their expense. A niche craft practised by a talented few has turned into a globally popular hobby, and what was once considered audacious commentary is now mainstream.

   Politicians should serve the country's interest.

2. Specifically, one who regards elected political office as a career.
   • 1996, Tom Clancy, Executive Orders, →ISBN, page 438:

     I never wanted to be one, and as far as I'm concerned, I'm not a politician now. Am I the best man for this job? Probably not. I am, however, the President of the United States, […]

   Unlike the other candidates, I'm not a politician.

3. A politically active or interested person.
   • 1863, “The Fountain Kloof”, in The Sunday at Home, page 211:

     You used to be such a politician. Do you remember the debates we held in Fitzroy's rooms?

   Only real politicians are interested in this issue.

4. A sly or ingratiating person.
   • 1969, David E. Sanford, My Village, My World, page 90:

     Mrs. Dimitriou blushed at the compliment. "Antonios, you are such a politician," her husband chuckled.

   There is a politician in every office.

• politard