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

A Trump executive order in December 2025 directed Nasa to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, when his term of office comes to an end, and establish initial base elements by 2030.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

They are entirely beyond the reach of any executive order signed in Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 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

On February 11, Trump signed an executive order directing US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into long-term supply contracts with US coal power plants.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

It cannot be accomplished through a landmark court decision, an executive order, or single stroke of the presidential pen.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander