Noun

politician (plural politicians)

1. One engaged in politics, especially an elected or appointed government official.

   Politicians should serve the country's interest.

2. Specifically, one who regards elected political office as a career.

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

   • 1996 Tom Clancy, Executive Orders, ISBN 0399142185, 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, […]

3. A politically active or interested person.

   Only real politicians are interested in this issue.

   • 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?

4. A sly or ingratiating person.

   There is a politician in every office.

   • 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.

A politician or political leader (from Greek "polis") is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making. This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, coup d'état, appointment, electoral fraud, conquest, right of inheritance (see also: divine right) or other means. Politics is not limited to governance through public office. Political offices may also be held in corporations, and other entities that are governed by self-defined political processes.