stateswoman

American  

[steyts-woom-uhn] / ˈsteɪtsˌwʊm ən /

noun

plural

stateswomen

1. a woman who is experienced in the art of government.

2. a woman who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government.

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Gender

See -woman.

Etymology

Origin of stateswoman

First recorded in 1600–10; states(man) + -woman

Example Sentences

As a stateswoman, Meloni appears to have a seat at every table, almost a regular at the White House and recently the only woman leader to attend the signing of the Gaza ceasefire in Egypt.

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

At 36, she has completed the transition from wunderkind to elder stateswoman.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2025

This marked the beginning of the startling second act of Jackson’s musical career, as she became — among a certain set — an elder stateswoman of grungy thrash guitar.

From New York Times • Jan. 6, 2024

At her final World Cup, Rapinoe was the elder stateswoman on a team that had 14 players appearing for the first time in the tournament.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2023

The history of 1860 and the following winter proves that in her the world has lost a stateswoman.

From Beauty and the Beast, and Tales of Home by Taylor, Bayard