executive

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv] / ɪgˈzɛk jə tɪv /

noun

• executives
  plural

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• executives
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of executive

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

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

executive executives

“A stolen login credential should not become a months-long passport to millions of students’ personal records,” said Anton Dahbura, executive director of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026

It is a "historic achievement" for Brazil, said Marcio Astrini, executive secretary at climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

The ride-hailing company is establishing a new chauffeuring brand, dubbed Alcove, that caters to demand for full days of executive travel between client meetings, conferences and flights, Chief Executive David Risher said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

He also ruled out doing a TV series, despite serving as an executive producer on the long-running "Fargo" television adaptation.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

In 1943—the same year that saw North Carolina’s chief executive assuring citizens that both races found segregation “sound and sensible”—a sixteen-year-old black Durham high school student challenged the ordinance.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Now that the 4,400-square foot Wilmette store is open, Hermès executives see much more local clientele there.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

But after Stroud made his case to team executives, they traded away a second-round draft pick for the NFL’s ultimate reclamation project.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

The two companies representing Prince's interests in the DRC, Vectus Global and Quantum Global Consulting, maintain a presence in the national capital Kinshasa, but their executives keep a low profile.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

Senior banking executives have told the BBC they expect the sector to be "on the menu" when the chancellor announces his Budget in two weeks' time.

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026

She and Dad happily railed against anyone they disliked or disrespected: Standard Oil executives, J. Edgar Hoover, and especially snobs and racists.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

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Related Words

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

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