statesman

noun

states·​man ˈstāts-mən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

Examples of statesman in a Sentence

He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two of Iran’s most prominent statesmen landed in Muscat, Oman, on Monday to discuss the possible management of the Strait of Hormuz. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2026 After Prine underwent radiation treatment for throat cancer in 1998, his voice dropped an octave and, over time, took on a gravelly quality that matched his elder statesman status. Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026 Nobody was more impressed than Zyon McCollum, who at 27 is entering his fifth season and is suddenly the elder statesman of the group after Jamel Dean signed with the Steelers as a free agent. Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 The South American statesman made the remark in response to an op-ed in favor of right-wing presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella. Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for statesman

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statesman was in 1592

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Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

statesman

noun
states·​man ˈstāt-smən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
: 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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

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