executor
Americannoun
-
a person who executes, carries out, or performs some duty, job, assignment, artistic work, etc.
-
Law. a person named in a decedent's will to carry out the provisions of that will.
noun
-
law a person appointed by a testator to carry out the wishes expressed in his will
-
a person who executes
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of executor
1250–1300; Middle English executour < Latin execūtor, equivalent to execū ( tus ) ( see execute) + -tor, -tor; replacing Middle English esecutor < Anglo-French essecutour < Latin, as above
Compare meaning
How does executor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
You're most likely to hear the word executor in an attorney's office, since it means a person who is legally responsible for ensuring that a will's directions are followed. The executor of a will is in charge of making sure that people listed as beneficiaries — in other words, the people who inherit money or property — receive what has been willed to them. When writing a will, most people will choose a responsible adult to be executor. The Latin root, executionem, means "an accomplishing" or "a carrying out."
Vocabulary lists containing executor
The Westing Game
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from the Magna Carta on its 800th Anniversary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Lifting as We Climb
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Their mother made Jerry her health proxy and Arnold the executor of her will, forcing in effect their cooperation.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
My friend’s sister, a retired police officer who claims to be a Christian, somehow managed to get herself appointed as the executor of their mother’s estate.
From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026
James Deaver, Brent’s executor, said Brent rejected the request as excessive because hehad amassed the bulk of his fortune years before the couple wed.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
When we married, he amended the trust, made me the executor, and left me 75%, with the remaining 25% going to his sister.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
“I’m the executor of Mr. George Harris’s will.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
