executive function

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv fuhngk-shuhn] / ɪgˈzɛk jə tɪv ˈfʌŋk ʃən /

Also executive functioning

noun

1. a set of cognitive skills used to control one’s thoughts and behavior, especially the skills needed to focus on and organize tasks.

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Etymology

Origin of executive function

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

executive function

Participants also underwent assessments covering several areas of cognition, including language, memory, executive function, and visuospatial ability.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026

Physical activity and movement, like playing freeze tag or shooting hoops during recess, can improve information processing, executive function, attention, and memory, research suggests.

From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026

"They are one third behind their age in executive function, so if they're not quite ready, giving them an extra year can give them that little bit of extra time to catch up," she said.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

Moderate exercise has been shown to improve learning among students from elementary school through young adulthood, and the effects on attention, memory and executive function are well-documented, pediatricians say.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Because of this executive function, the Senate followed the example of the Continental Congress, and refused to admit the public to hear any of its deliberations during the first five sessions.

From The United States of America, Part 1 by Edwin Erle Sparks

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