executive

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv]

noun

1. a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.

2. the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.

3. the executive branch of a government.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc..

   executive ability.

2. pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs: executive committees.

   executive appointments;

   executive committees.

3. designed for, used by, or suitable for executives.

   an executive suite.

executive

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv /

noun

1. 1. a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business

   2. ( as modifier )

      executive duties

      an executive position

2. 1. the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration

   2. any administration Compare judiciary legislature

adjective

1. having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect

2. of, relating to, or designed for an executive

   the executive suite

3. informal,  of the most expensive or exclusive type

   executive housing

   executive class

Other Word Forms

• executively adverb
• executiveness noun
• nonexecutive adjective
• proexecutive adjective
• semiexecutive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin execūtīvus; equivalent to execute + -ive

Example Sentences

"We shouldn't be surprised that people are dying on our streets," said Tim Renshaw, chief executive of the Archer Project, a homeless charity in Sheffield.

From BBC

In the section Nguyen read that night, the main character challenges stereotypes of Vietnamese characters in a film, an attempt that is quickly shut down by a Hollywood executive.

From Los Angeles Times

Tesla executives have acknowledged that the end of the tax credit for buyers of electric cars in the US is likely to hurt the business.

From BBC

"We have global over capacity, unfair competition, state aid, and undercutting in prices and we are reacting to that", Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission's executive vice president for prosperity and industrial strategy.

From BBC

Earlier on Tuesday, Jane Richardson, chief executive of National Museum Wales, described footage of the break-in as "emotional to watch".

From BBC

Related Words

• administration 
• administrator 
• boss 
• chief 
• commander 
• director 
• entrepreneur 
• government 
• leader 
• management 
• manager 
• officer 
• official 
• supervisor