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
Examples of statesman in a Sentence
He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
In July 2023, at the age of 100, Dr. Kissinger was in Beijing and received an effusive welcome from senior Chinese officials, who hailed him as a statesman unrivaled in the United States.
—
Thomas W. Lippman, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
Kissinger Finds His New Boss Gerald Ford Has Fewer 'Hangups' Than Nixon
Revered by many as perhaps the most consequential secretary of state in U.S. history, Kissinger's record as a statesman is considerably mixed.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023
As the industry’s senior statesman, he was treated with reverence.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023
The three agents have always been kingmakers in this town, but Lourd in the past decade has emerged as an industry statesman.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 8 Sep. 2023
Xi was eager to appear the global statesman in his meeting.
—Lyric Li, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023
Newsom seemed to be trying to play the role of global statesman, hamming it up on the world stage in an effort to burnish his resume for a future presidential bid.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
The film delves into the theme of departure and aging as the globally renowned playwright is seen adding a new role – that of film director – to his past credits as prisoner of conscience, statesman and national reformer.
—Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California Time slows to a primeval pace in this giant sequoia grove, where 275-foot-tall statesmen have watched the seasons come and go for more than 2,000 years.
—Sarah L. Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2023
See More
Thomas W. Lippman, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
Kissinger Finds His New Boss Gerald Ford Has Fewer 'Hangups' Than Nixon
Revered by many as perhaps the most consequential secretary of state in U.S. history, Kissinger's record as a statesman is considerably mixed.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023
As the industry’s senior statesman, he was treated with reverence.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023
The three agents have always been kingmakers in this town, but Lourd in the past decade has emerged as an industry statesman.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 8 Sep. 2023
Xi was eager to appear the global statesman in his meeting.
—Lyric Li, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023
Newsom seemed to be trying to play the role of global statesman, hamming it up on the world stage in an effort to burnish his resume for a future presidential bid.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
The film delves into the theme of departure and aging as the globally renowned playwright is seen adding a new role – that of film director – to his past credits as prisoner of conscience, statesman and national reformer.
—Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California Time slows to a primeval pace in this giant sequoia grove, where 275-foot-tall statesmen have watched the seasons come and go for more than 2,000 years.
—Sarah L. Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'statesman.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing statesman
Dictionary Entries Near statesman
Cite this Entry
“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
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
More from Merriam-Webster on statesman
Nglish: Translation of statesman for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of statesman for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share