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.
On this day in 1804, American statesmen Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr held their Broadway-famous duel. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 11 July 2025 Buddy Guy’s Legends At the end of Sinners, Sammie is played by the elder statesman of Chicago blues, Buddy Guy. AFAR Media, 10 July 2025 On social media, at one point two women can be heard discussing the extinguished 50-year statesman. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025 Orville was the elder statesman of aviation until his death in 1948. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 21 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!