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

At 78, Ferry reigns as the elder statesman of rock-star romantics, the king of elegant melancholy. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024

Historically significant, the mansion predates Canada’s confederation and has hosted Canadian statesmen, cultural figures and visiting politicians during the country’s formative years. —Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

McCain-Palin was a tragedy: A great statesman, desperate for the win, succumbed to vanity and made a pact with darkness. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2024

McCoury, the elder statesman of bluegrass music, now 85, represents the gold standard of the genre. —Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 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