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.

---

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

---

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

Dinners at premier restaurants, sending flowers to thank candidates for their time—“That’s happening at the account executive level,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they’ve since swung back, said Bruce Daisley, a former executive at Twitter and YouTube who advises corporate leaders on culture.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gen. Frank J. Lozano, portfolio acquisition executive for fires at the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

In September, the development corporation hired its own chief executive, Shola Olatoye, who began pitching tech moguls on the returns of investing in an American city’s downtown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Disney executives, many of whom learned about the decision less than an hour before it was announced, were shocked.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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