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

In recent years, Cook acted as a public statesman to advance Apple's interests, meeting with both foreign and domestic leaders. —Jonathan Vanian,jennifer Elias,kif Leswing, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

Presiding over it all alongside Goldberg as the elder statesman is camp impresario John Waters, who plays the louche Persian cat Armando — a role model for Kevin’s new, mostly post-human existence. —Alison Herman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026

For patrician statesmen, grandeur is usually understated, radiating restraint rather than gawk-inspiring shows of brazen wealth. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

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

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