statesman

noun

states·​man ˈstāts-mən 

1

: one versed in the principles or art of government

especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies

2

: a wise, skillful, and respected political leader

statesmanlike

ˈstāts-mən-ˌlīk 

adjective

statesmanly

ˈstāts-mən-lē 

adjective

statesmanship

ˈstāts-mən-ˌship 

noun

Examples of statesman in a Sentence

He was a soldier and statesman.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hakeem’s middle name is Sekou, an homage to the Guinean statesman Ahmed Sékou Touré; his brother, Hasan, who is three years younger, was given the middle name Kwame, in honor of Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana. —Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Like any country which has withstood and overcome threats to its existence, France is devoted to its national figureheads and statesman. —David Katz, IndieWire, 18 May 2026

Addae, however, deemed Baker the elder statesmen of the room. —Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

Rubio is one of the most eloquent, articulate, & incredibly capable statesmen of our times. —Justin Papp, CNBC, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing statesman

• elder statesman

Rhymes for statesman

• statesmen

Kids Definition

statesman

noun

states·​man ˈstāt-smən 

: a person engaged in fixing the policies and conducting the affairs of a government

especially : one having unusual wisdom and skill in such matters

statesmanlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

statesmanly

-lē 

adjective

statesmanship

-ˌship 

noun