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.

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elder statesman British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of elder statesman

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

He stayed on as Clinton's chief adviser after he left office in 2000 and helped him transition from president into a jet-setting elder statesman.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Kershaw, 14 years Misiorowski’s senior, laughed when asked what it’s like to be the elder statesman in such high-profile matchups now.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2025

Athletics elder statesman, Sir Brendan Foster, will spearhead a campaign to get millions walking or running regularly.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2025

I saw my role as am elder statesman who might help them move on to the more inclusive ideas of the Congress Movement.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela