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
Examples of statesman in a Sentence
He was a soldier and statesman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Carroll, meanwhile, went on to be the elder statesman of NFL head coaches but could never get back over the hump.
—
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Bellemare is now France’s captain at the Milan Cortina Olympics and its elder statesman at 40 after helping his country qualify for the first time since 2002.
—Stephen Whyno, Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2026
The fans in Melbourne—especially those watching on the big screen outside, but also inside Rod Laver Area—were cheering for the elder statesman.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 1 Feb. 2026
But these categories devour a strong showing from elder statesmen.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for statesman
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.
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Bellemare is now France’s captain at the Milan Cortina Olympics and its elder statesman at 40 after helping his country qualify for the first time since 2002.
—Stephen Whyno, Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2026
The fans in Melbourne—especially those watching on the big screen outside, but also inside Rod Laver Area—were cheering for the elder statesman.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 1 Feb. 2026
But these categories devour a strong showing from elder statesmen.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for statesman
Cite this Entry
“Statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statesman. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
