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

The White House is weighing an executive order that could create a formal oversight process for the most-advanced models.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The White House is considering a cybersecurity-focused executive order that could include formalizing a government oversight group to create standards for the most powerful AI models, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

He signed an executive order meant to encourage more Americans to save for retirement, though it’s a step down from his previous proposal.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

President Donald Trump signed an executive order today meant to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 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