executive order

American  

noun

(often initial capital letters)

1. an order having the force of law issued by the president of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch of the government.

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Etymology

Origin of executive order

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Five days ago, Trump signed an executive order intended to boost access to psychedelic drugs for medical treatment.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

A White House official told Barron’s the administration was working to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order from December, which directed regulators to reschedule marijuana “in the most expeditious manner.”

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

“I am thankful for the executive order; I’m hoping they follow through on it,” said Rob Reynolds, an Iraqi war veteran who advocates for veterans seeking VA services.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Elsewhere, psychedelic-drug stocks jumped after Trump signed an executive order Saturday to speed up research and patient access to new treatments for mental-health conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

That March, the president issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination in the federal government on the basis of race, religion, or national origin.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson