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

One of the Padres’ elder statesmen, Xander Bogaerts, might be the most superstitious guy in the clubhouse. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026

Republicans want to scare voters into thinking that if Democrats win the midterm elections, the United States will be on the road to a future in which the Senate is no more—or is, at best, an impotent debate club for elderly statesmen. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Baker Mayfield is the elder statesman among the starters and fresh off his Netflix debut. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Condal compares the new elder statesman of the Hightower family to Tywin Lannister, the power behind that family’s throne in Game of Thrones, played by renowned actor Charles Dance. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 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