executive

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv]

noun

1. a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.

2. the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.

3. the executive branch of a government.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc..

   executive ability.

2. pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs: executive committees.

   executive appointments;

   executive committees.

3. designed for, used by, or suitable for executives.

   an executive suite.

executive

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv /

noun

1. 1. a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business

   2. ( as modifier )

      executive duties

      an executive position

2. 1. the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration

   2. any administration Compare judiciary legislature

adjective

1. having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect

2. of, relating to, or designed for an executive

   the executive suite

3. informal,  of the most expensive or exclusive type

   executive housing

   executive class

Other Word Forms

• executively adverb
• executiveness noun
• nonexecutive adjective
• proexecutive adjective
• semiexecutive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin execūtīvus; equivalent to execute + -ive

Example Sentences

Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said that drug prices in the U.S. are out of proportion compared with other countries and that the company is increasing its workforce and investment in America.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tech executives who heard about it from their employees found it difficult to get in touch with the company.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“At any given point, trade with our international partners is clouded and difficult,” one executive at an electrical-equipment maker told ISM.

Read more on MarketWatch

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said the UK government had been "warned time and again" that taxation on the energy sector would put jobs at risk.

Read more on BBC

“This is just fun, right?” said Zuzanna Stamirowska, co-founder and chief executive officer at Pathway, when I met with her and another member of the team at Wall Street Journal headquarters in November.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• administration 
• administrator 
• boss 
• chief 
• commander 
• director 
• entrepreneur 
• government 
• leader 
• management 
• manager 
• officer 
• official 
• supervisor