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

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

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

By the end of his run there, Kupp was a seasoned elder statesman, still contributing but also helping younger players fine-tune their game.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He documented his rise—from a printer’s apprentice when he was 12 to a self-employed printer and publisher, inventor, diplomat and statesman—blending his personal history with advice about the virtues of work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Asked why he wore an old-fashioned waistcoat and a fedora to the museum, Pedro said he began dressing this way recently, inspired by 20th-century statesmen and fictional detectives.

Read more on BBC

Sir John Major is now the elder statesman among them.

Read more on BBC

But "a loss of impetus" in the second half allowed the 10 men of Rangers to roar back, force extra time, and add a few years to an already elderly statesman.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• lawmaker 
• legislator 
• politician