statesman

noun

states·​man ˈstāts-mən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

Examples of statesman in a Sentence

He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a desire to draw Britain closer to the rest of Europe, but Brexit handicaps any British leader from playing the kind of statesman’s role that his Labour predecessor, Tony Blair, did in the late 1990s. Mark Landler, New York Times, 19 Dec. 2024 Though just barely 20 years old, Stranahan’s is one of American single malt’s elder statesmen and a pioneer of the movement. Erik Ofgang, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 Scientist, statesman and writer Benjamin Franklin provided a wonderful model to emulate. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 1 Dec. 2024 The Symposium also portrays Alcibiades, a famous and controversial statesman in Athens, showing how his ardent desire for Socrates gave him a chance (one ultimately squandered) of leading a modest, decent, and virtuous life. Sarah Nooter / Made By History, TIME, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for statesman 

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statesman was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near statesman

Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

statesman

noun
states·​man ˈstāt-smən How to pronounce statesman (audio)
: 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 adjective
statesmanly adjective
statesmanship noun

More from Merriam-Webster on statesman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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