executive
Americannoun
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a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.
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the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.
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the executive branch of a government.
adjective
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of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc..
executive ability.
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pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs: executive committees.
executive appointments;
executive committees.
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designed for, used by, or suitable for executives.
an executive suite.
noun
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a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business
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( as modifier )
executive duties
an executive position
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the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration
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any administration Compare judiciary legislature
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adjective
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having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect
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of, relating to, or designed for an executive
the executive suite
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informal of the most expensive or exclusive type
executive housing
executive class
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of executive
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin execūtīvus; equivalent to execute + -ive
Explanation
An executive is a powerful person who is responsible for making things run smoothly. If you become an executive, you might be in charge of an organization, a business, or even an entire country. The executive of a company has the best office and works on ways to make their business more successful. The Medieval Latin root of executive is exsequi, which means “carry out,” and so an executive carries out plans and actions. Executive is also an adjective that describes having the power to make decisions. The president of the United States is the executive branch of the government and is responsible for executing laws that will improve the country for its citizens.
Vocabulary lists containing executive
Like A Boss: Words for the Person in Charge
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U.S. Government Lingo
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The Emancipation Proclamation (1862)
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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.
Rhys, also an executive producer on “Widow’s Bay,” refers to Dippold and Murai as a “match made in heaven,” and Murai’s grounded approach helped Rhys find his footing, while giving the actor room to experiment.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
AIG cut back on those investments 10 years ago after its then-chief executive pronounced the returns “greatly disappointing.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
The judgement of the likes of ECB chairman Richard Thompson and chief executive Richard Gould will also come into question.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The presentation marked Apple CEO Tim Cook's final appearance at the company's annual Worldwide developers conference -- Cook will cede the reins to longtime executive John Ternus in September.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
“It has to do with the executive branch; we’re golden,” JonPaul said.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
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.
