public servant

noun

1. a person holding a government office or job by election or appointment; person in public service.

public servant

noun

1. an elected or appointed holder of a public office
2. a member of the public service British equivalentcivil servant

Word History and Origins

Origin of public servant¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

A Glasgow firefighter who died in one of the city’s worst peacetime tragedies is among the first recipients of a new posthumous royal award honouring public servants killed in the line of duty.

From BBC

The Elizabeth Emblem, named after the late Queen, will be given to the next of kin of more than 30 deceased firefighters, police officers and public servants in recognition of their loved ones.

From BBC

Biden called Harris "a tremendous partner and public servant full of integrity, courage, and character" following Harris' public concession speech at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

From Salon

In contrast, she presented herself as a public servant who will "listen to experts" and "people who disagree with me."

From Salon

Elections are simply job interviews as well as performance reviews in which we hire and fire public servants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil servant
• elected official