statesman

[steyts-muhn]

noun

plural

statesmen 

1. a person who is experienced in the art of government or versed in the administration of government affairs.

2. a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues.

statesman

/ ˈsteɪtsmən /

noun

1. a political leader whose wisdom, integrity, etc, win great respect

2. a person active and influential in the formulation of high government policy, such as a cabinet member

3. a politician

Gender Note

See -man.

Other Word Forms

• statesman-like adjective
• stateswoman noun
• statesmanship noun
• statesmanlike adjective
• statesmanly adjective
• superstatesman noun
• unstatesmanlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of statesman¹

First recorded in 1585–95; state + 's ¹ + -man, modeled on steersman; compare the phrase ship of state

Synonym Study

See politician.

Example Sentences

The leading statesman of his industry, counselor to presidents and executives, Dimon, 69, may not occupy his new perch for long.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The author shows how statesmen have managed security problems, from antiquity to the 1970s, and distills the principles for effective practice.

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It seems to me that John Swinney has been working hard to develop an image for himself not just as a first minister but also as a potential statesman.

Read more on BBC

Gretzky had scored at a devastating clip for an absurdly long time—20 NHL seasons that saw him turn from a wiry 18-year-old into the league’s elder statesman.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Young from two feet closer, drained his and the youngest man on the US team had beaten Europe's elder statesman. 12-6.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• lawmaker 
• legislator 
• politician