political economy

noun

1
: economics
2
: the theory or study of the role of public policy in influencing the economic and social welfare of a political unit
political economist noun

Examples of political economy in a Sentence

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But the program also plays a role in FIFA’s political economy. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 June 2026 So the political economy of this is really, really interesting. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 Kevin DeLuca, a professor at Yale University who studies the political economy of media, has analyzed pink slime sites across the country. — Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2026 The political economy of Michigan provides an instructive explanation. — Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for political economy

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of political economy was in 1868

Rhymes for political economy

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Browse Nearby Words

political economist
political economy
political executive
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Cite this Entry

“Political economy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/political%20economy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on political economy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about political economy

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