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

Julian’s shambling charm wears her down, the elder statesman challenging his younger peer’s view on their industry. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026

Alexander was a revolutionary statesman and framer of North Carolina’s first Constitution and Bill of Rights. —Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

The elder statesmen of proto punk isn’t just another act on the Coachella bill. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

The political vision came from liberal statesmen like Gyula Andrássy, the Hungarian prime minister who gave the avenue its name. —Joshua Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 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