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

“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

Yet, Anthropic this week welcomed an executive order on AI from US President Donald Trump that was relatively hands-off in its directives toward the companies.

From BBC • 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