civil servant

noun

1. a civil-service employee.

civil servant

noun

1. a member of the civil service

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil servant¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

“Yes, deputy prime minister,” a civil servant explained: “It is an automatic device to control the internal temperature.”

From New York Times

The commission's report said there was "no bar on individuals who have previously worked for political parties or made political donations becoming civil servants".

From BBC

The Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, the country’s most senior civil servant, had told all ministers they should “not take part in the public debate.”

From BBC

“The reality is you can’t get anything done without good civil servants,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Several said they weren’t given a true picture by the Post Office executives they met with, or by civil servants.

From BBC

Related Words

• public servant