statesman

noun

states·​man ˈstāts-mən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

Examples of statesman in a Sentence

He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chalamet could look to another elder statesman, Leonardo DiCaprio, who happily if bemusedly played along with Conan’s attempt to create a new meme. Josh Spiegel, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026 The Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, was founded by revolutionary statesman Sun Yat-sen and his Nationalist movement on the mainland in 1912. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 The terrible power of atomic weapons would scare statesmen straight. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026 The band members themselves—singer Dominic Palermo and a rotating cast of supporting players that now includes former Best Coast bassist Bobb Bruno—have accepted the elder statesmen role gracefully. Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statesman

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statesman was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

statesman

noun
states·​man ˈstāt-smən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
: 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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

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