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

While the characters' stories are fictional, there are a few Japanese historical figures — including General Toshiyoshi Kawaji, statesman Ōkubo Toshimichi and politician Baron Maejima Hisoka — who are named in the series. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

This particular idea has gained traction in part because such elder statesmen have, in fact, played a central role in the party’s history. —Deng Yuwen, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2025

The future statesman was born into slavery in 1818 in eastern Maryland. —Time, 12 Nov. 2025

The band received some oddball counsel from elder statesmen of the scene. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 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