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

Sources also cautioned how it would function with executive chairman Jeff Shi - former sporting director Matt Hobbs almost acted as a go-between previously.

Read more on BBC

He has become one of the president’s favorite executives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The channel’s parent company, Paramount, announced Monday that Stewart will continue to host “The Daily Show” on Monday nights and serve as an executive producer through the end of next year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The committee for contemporary managers, executives and umpires will deliberate in 2026, with the committee for the classic era scheduled to meet in 2027 before the committee for contemporary players meets again in 2028.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It creates this really perverse incentive for every plant to claim they want to retire,” said Michael Goggin, executive vice president of Grid Strategies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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