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.
Hart, however, made a wonderful senator, a model public servant and an inspiring statesman. John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, the Roman statesman, Lucullus, saw these gardens firsthand when on a diplomatic mission to what is now modern Turkey. Big Think, 23 Apr. 2026 This concern was discussed at UNESCO conferences and eventually led to the establishment of the International Commission for the Study of Communications Problems, chaired by Irish statesman and Nobel Peace Prize winner Sean MacBride. Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026 In recent years, Cook acted as a public statesman to advance Apple's interests, meeting with both foreign and domestic leaders. Jonathan Vanian,jennifer Elias,kif Leswing, CNBC, 20 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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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