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

In response to The Times’ questions, VA press secretary Quinn Slaven said the scope of the executive order has not been reduced.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

In April, he signed an executive order to limit the practice by creating lists of US citizens who are eligible to vote in each state.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

“Even President Trump, in an executive order, has proposed establishing an American sovereign wealth fund,” Mr. Sanders writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

And an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2012 delegated this authority to the secretary of defense.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

By executive order President Truman desegregated the military in 1948, raising expectations among black Americans that conditions would improve even more.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson