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

Prince William is taking on a more prominent statesman role, representing his father King Charles at the reopening of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Dec. 7 while Charles, 76, is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. —Simon Perry, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

In his final book, the late statesman joins forces with two technologists to explore the challenges of AI. 6. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024

That includes Matt Vierling, who only turns 28 next Monday and yet has become one of the elder statesmen on the roster. —Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024

The elder statesman is Detroit’s own David Alan Grier as Dr. Ron, whose decades in medicine have left him devoid of patience for bureaucracy. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 10 Nov. 2024

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