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

Hu does not enjoy the broad name recognition of Mao, Deng, and the leading Mao-era statesman Zhou Enlai. —Foreign Affairs, 1 Jan. 2025

From the Mekong Delta to the Gulf Coast, from Maine to Mississippi, wherever the Carters went, statesmen and celebrities were quick to appear. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024

President Carter was a humanitarian and a statesman who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, is a man who likes rubbing shoulders with global statesmen, and two in particular who represent his organisation’s new frontiers. —Phil Hay, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing statesman

• elder statesman

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