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

Other airline executives have also said they were willing to pull flights that don’t make enough revenue to offset the fuel burn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Magna executives were counting on entirely new EV parts, such as the battery containers the company would make for GM, and the fact that components for EVs are often pricier than those for gas-powered vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The use of AI coding tools inside Oracle is enabling smaller engineering teams to deliver more complete solutions to our customers more quickly," Mike Silicia, Oracle's other co-chief executive, said earlier this month.

From BBC

Jim Pearson, the charity's deputy chief executive and chairman of Childhood Dementia Scotland, said in the report that childhood dementia remained "largely invisible" within health, social care and education systems.

From BBC

Kate Chapman, the executive director of the Living Wage Foundation, said one in seven businesses now pay the Real Living Wage.

From BBC

Related Words

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