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
Mandelson’s ties to Epstein have threatened the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed the veteran statesman to the diplomatic post despite warnings about his friendship with the disgraced financier.
—
ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Branch is now 74, an elder statesman in the blues world, a contemporary and friend of the 89-year-old Buddy Guy, both of them living links to the foundational years and pioneering players of the blues.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Mandelson is considered an elder statesman of the governing Labour Party in the UK and has denied any criminal wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
During the 19th century, Douglass was America’s most gifted and prominent civil rights speaker, writer and statesman.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for statesman
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ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Branch is now 74, an elder statesman in the blues world, a contemporary and friend of the 89-year-old Buddy Guy, both of them living links to the foundational years and pioneering players of the blues.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Mandelson is considered an elder statesman of the governing Labour Party in the UK and has denied any criminal wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026
During the 19th century, Douglass was America’s most gifted and prominent civil rights speaker, writer and statesman.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for statesman
Cite this Entry
“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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