elder statesman

American  

noun

1. an influential citizen, often a retired high official, whose advice is sought by government leaders.

2. any influential member of a company, group, etc., whose advice is respected.

3. Japanese History. any of the political leaders who retired from official office but continued to exert a strong influence in the government and who controlled the emperor's privy council, especially in the period 1898–1914.

---

elder statesman British  

noun

1. an old, experienced, and eminent person, esp a politician, whose advice is often sought

---

Etymology

Origin of elder statesman

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

elder statesman

And now, with championship aspirations entering his 13th season, and fifth in Los Angeles, Mack is basking in his role as the Chargers’ elder statesman.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026

The elder statesman died peacefully at his home in Leimert Park, his son said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026

“Ridiculous” is C.K.’s way of letting the world know that when you brush aside his Teflon-coated fame and elder statesman standing, the 58-year-old star is really just old and exhausted.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

"Craig was my mentor, wise counsel, passionate advisor, and great friend. He was the distinguished elder statesman with a reservoir of Olympic knowledge and experience which he shared willingly and to great effect," Coe added.

From BBC ● Apr. 6, 2026

It was used in reference to some nice old poopy elder statesman who’d made a fortune in the stock market and then gone to Washington to be an adviser to President Roosevelt.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger