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Glite Dictionary
pol

pol

21 9.1
An informal word for a person who works to get and hold public office
  • noun
  • /pɑl/
  • Informal
translation icon : político
  • Oh, he's an old Texas pol.

Examples

  • Virtually every critique I read of Democratic pols from grassroots Dems online is from the left.

    Blog text (9)

  • I need a bit more than "a pol said it happened" for me to buy it.

    Blog text (16)

  • I will note that several of these pols are in our shoes to varying degrees.

    Blog text (7)

  • A luxury hotel crowded with local pols: the Democratic machine of Buffalo.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • During the campaign, many local pols attended the community meeting to gather support.

  • The veteran pol was known for his ability to connect with voters on a personal level.

  • Several young pols are hoping to bring fresh ideas to the party this election.

Synonyms

politician
vspol
∞ 2.9

A person who works in government or politics, often as an elected leader

is informal and focuses on active party involvement rather than professional status
politico
vspol
  • Literature
56 7.7

An informal word for someone who works to gain or hold public office

is informal and usually neutral rather than critical

How Political

pol
  • Informal
21 9.1
party man
1 6.1
activist
542 2.5

Surface Forms

pol singular
pols plural

Etymology

Pol is an informal short form of politician or political, made by shortening the longer word into a quick nickname like 'prof' for 'professor'. So a pol is simply someone who works in politics or is active in party politics.