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
1
: the art or practice of conducting governmental affairs : political leadership
those who are fit for the highest duties of statesmanship such as the final choice of means and ends—
G. H. Sabine
G. H. Sabinestupid, stubborn statesmanship, without vision or imagination—C. G. Bowers
C. G. Bowers2
: leadership characterized by wisdom, breadth of vision, or regard for the general welfare rather than partisan interest
transforms opportunism into idealism, or politics into statesmanship—R. B. Perry
R. B. Perryforgot statesmanship and embraced politics—New York Herald Tribune Book Review
New York Herald Tribune Book Reviewa task demanding a high level of educational statesmanship—J. D. Russell & C. H. Judd
J. D. Russell & C. H. Juddindustrial statesmanship
labor statesmanship
Examples of statesman in a Sentence
Noun (1)
He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
22 June 2026
After Prine underwent radiation treatment for throat cancer in 1998, his voice dropped an octave and, over time, took on a gravelly quality that matched his elder statesman status.
—
Matthew Blackwell,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Nobody was more impressed than Zyon McCollum, who at 27 is entering his fifth season and is suddenly the elder statesman of the group after Jamel Dean signed with the Steelers as a free agent.
—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
The South American statesman made the remark in response to an op-ed in favor of right-wing presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella.
—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for statesman
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Noun
Two of Iran’s most prominent statesmen landed in Muscat, Oman, on Monday to discuss the possible management of the Strait of Hormuz.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
22 June 2026
After Prine underwent radiation treatment for throat cancer in 1998, his voice dropped an octave and, over time, took on a gravelly quality that matched his elder statesman status.
—
Matthew Blackwell,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
Nobody was more impressed than Zyon McCollum, who at 27 is entering his fifth season and is suddenly the elder statesman of the group after Jamel Dean signed with the Steelers as a free agent.
—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
The South American statesman made the remark in response to an op-ed in favor of right-wing presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella.
—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
8 June 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 27 Jun. 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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