executive

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv] / ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of executive

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

Example Sentences

He could come across as a Californian, a Texan, or a Southerner, though he also trained on the New York stage and had no difficulty portraying a New York network executive in “Network.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Pritzker is keeping his leadership position at the Pritzker Organization, a family investment firm where he is executive chairman, his spokesman said.

From The Wall Street Journal

In addition, five months ago he signed an executive order beefing up the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chief executive Simon Blake said Stonewall and other groups had "campaigned hard for this change for many years".

From BBC

"With this kind of predation, the status quo... just isn't possible," added Environment Minister Mathieu Lefevre, whose office said the change would be made official "in the coming weeks" in an executive order.

From Barron's

Related Words

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