What does "politician" mean?

1. (government official) a person whose job is in politics, especially someone who has been elected to a government position. 2. (a person skilled at social maneuvering) someone who is very good at using their influence or acting in a clever way to get what they want at work.

How do you use "politician"?

Often used with a negative or cynical tone to imply the person is insincere.

politician

US //ˌpɑɫəˈtɪʃən// UK //pˌɒlɪtˈɪʃən// politi·cian

1 government official (n.)
B1 Intermediate Law

a person whose job is in politics, especially someone who has been elected to a government position.

an individual professionally engaged in politics, specifically one who holds or seeks an elected or appointed office in government.

Example

The local politician promised to build a new park if she won the election.

Example

The veteran politician spent the afternoon canvassing in the suburbs, hoping to secure the swing votes necessary for a narrow victory.
2 a person skilled at social maneuvering (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

someone who is very good at using their influence or acting in a clever way to get what they want at work.

a person who acts in a manipulative or crafty manner to gain advantage within an organisation or social group.

Example

He is quite a politician in the office and always knows who to talk to for a promotion.

Example

To survive in the corporate headquarters, one must be something of a politician, navigating the complex web of internal alliances and rivalries.

Usage

Often used with a negative or cynical tone to imply the person is insincere.
- schemer
- strategist

Origin

From politic + -ian.