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.
In both the series and real life, Arnaud is the out elder statesman of the cast, a 40-year-old serving as foil to the 24- and 25-year-old twunks in the lead roles. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 Created in the 1730s as an extension of the Burlington Estate, Savile Row began as a stylish though largely residential street, home to many wealthy military officers and statesmen. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025 Yoweri Museveni, who became president in 1986, was initially hailed as an exemplar African statesman, but his refusal to relinquish power after nearly four decades at the helm has cost him much goodwill. Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 There was the resilience from elder statesman who made miraculous returns to a Milwaukee stage after being sidelined by seemingly career-ending health issues, for example. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 10 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on statesman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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