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
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.
Executive orders from President Trump have shifted federal policy to encourage fuel recycling and reprocessing.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026
In a separate statement, Mango Chief Executive Toni Ruiz said he supported Andic and expressed his conviction that the judicial process would be resolved “favorably” and rapidly.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
A top lieutenant of Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg for more than 20 years, Bosworth’s outspokenness and hard-charging style have made him a magnet for controversy—and, at times, a useful heat shield for his billionaire boss.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said Li's inclusion in the mission was a "historic" moment.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
He had yet to meet an Executive, though.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
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.
