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
ˈstāts-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce statesman (audio)
adjective
statesmanly
ˈstāts-mən-lē How to pronounce statesman (audio)
adjective
statesmanship
ˈstāts-mən-ˌship How to pronounce statesman (audio)
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.
President Donald Trump has stripped down and distorted the lessons of the late statesman into a crude, transactional, impulsive worldview that mistakes bluffing for strength and coercion for strategy. — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 And as the clear frontrunner in South Korea’s June 3 presidential election, Lee is already in full statesman mode. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025 Unlike his small-time Israeli rivals, the placards implied, Netanyahu was a savvy statesman who punched above his weight on the international stage, thanks to his unaccented English oratory and ability to inveigle the world’s most powerful people. — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 The narrative of the elder statesman finding something deep within to try and flummox the young buck is gripping. — Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 16 May 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

Phrases Containing statesman

Rhymes for statesman

See All Rhymes for statesman

Browse Nearby Words

Statesider
statesman
state socialism
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Cite this Entry

“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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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
-ˌlīk How to pronounce statesman (audio)
adjective
statesmanly
-lē How to pronounce statesman (audio)
adjective
statesmanship
-ˌship How to pronounce statesman (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on statesman

Nglish: Translation of statesman for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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