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

An elder statesman of the group explained the tradition, and how honouring and remembering their ancestors is a central part of the Maori belief system. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

In death, his MAGA conversion boosted the word count of his obituaries and paved the way for this statesman’s sendoff. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026

Lindsey Graham was a patriot, a statesman and my dear friend. — FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

The presence of a president at these conferences elevated both the importance of the event and the image of the president as a statesman who was able to quickly pivot back and forth from national to international leadership. — Peter Kastor, Fortune, 27 July 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