politician

[pol-i-tish-uh n] /ˌpɒl ɪˈtɪʃ ən/
noun
1.
a person who is active in party politics.
2.
a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
3.
a person who holds a political office.
4.
a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
5.
an expert in politics or political government.
6.
a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.
Origin
1580-90; < French politicien. See politic, -ian
Related forms
nonpolitician, noun
self-politician, noun
Synonyms
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.
Examples from the web for politician
  • Less than a year into office, the businessman-turned-politician has delivered.
  • He notes that during a campaign, a local politician once.
  • For any other politician of his age, that would be that, a statesman's final flourish.
  • There's nothing newsworthy in printing a statistic and the obsequiously aped concern of a politician.
  • No politician on the left or right has suggested raising the gas tax in almost a decade.
  • Two, it elevates the candidate into an idol, not a politician.
  • What a shrunken version of that politician now occupies the presidency.
  • If a politician can make a buck by opposing it, he will.
  • Retaining top talent always requires what the market will bear, not what a politician thinks is fair.
  • One complaint from a student, parent, or politician is all it may take.
British Dictionary definitions for politician

politician

/ˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən/
noun
1.
a person actively engaged in politics, esp a full-time professional member of a deliberative assembly
2.
a person who is experienced or skilled in the art or science of politics, government, or administration; statesman
3.
(derogatory, mainly US) a person who engages in politics out of a wish for personal gain, as realized by holding a public office
Word Origin and History for politician
n.

1580s, "person skilled in politics," from politics + -ian. It quickly took on overtones, not typically good ones. Johnson defines it as "A man of artifice; one of deep contrivance."

Slang definitions & phrases for politician

politician

noun

A person who succeeds through charm, diplomacy, mutual favors, etc •The term is mildly derogatory in suggesting a lack of true substance: If you called him an asshole to his face you're no politician (1592+)