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executive order

American

noun

(often initial capital letters)

an order having the force of law issued by the president of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch of the government.

Etymology

Origin of executive order

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are entirely beyond the reach of any executive order signed in Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

In April, he signed an executive order to limit the practice by creating lists of US citizens who are eligible to vote in each state.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

And an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2012 delegated this authority to the secretary of defense.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

On February 11, Trump signed an executive order directing US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into long-term supply contracts with US coal power plants.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

He wrote an exception note to the Red Zone executive order, allowing them legal passage to Spirit Lake.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023