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

An elder statesman in the field of neuroplasticity, Merzenich and two other scientists received the prestigious Kavli Award in Neuroscience in 2016 for their groundbreaking discoveries that the adult brain could change, adapt and create new neural connections throughout life. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

In Abilene, the late Kansas statesman’s boyhood home, residents are incensed. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025

Procrastination in the name of political survival is hardly the approach of serious statesmen and stateswomen. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025

Moda Moda is something of an elder statesman in the Pittsburgh retail scene, having opened in 1990. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025

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