executor

[ig-zek-yuh-ter, ek-si-kyoo-ter]

noun

1. a person who executes, carries out, or performs some duty, job, assignment, artistic work, etc.

2. Law.,  a person named in a decedent's will to carry out the provisions of that will.

executor

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtə /

noun

1. law a person appointed by a testator to carry out the wishes expressed in his will

2. a person who executes

Other Word Forms

• executorial adjective
• executorship noun
• preexecutor noun
• subexecutor noun
• unexecutorial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of executor¹

1250–1300; Middle English executour < Latin execūtor, equivalent to execū ( tus ) ( execute ) + -tor, -tor; replacing Middle English esecutor < Anglo-French essecutour < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of executor¹

C13: from Anglo-French executour, from Latin execūtor, from _ex- ¹ + sequi follow

Example Sentences

After Epstein’s death, the men used their executor roles—controlling both victims’ compensation and access to records—to try to immunize themselves from personal lawsuits, according to court filings.

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“Or some say that the executors can decide, but if both want the same thing and can’t agree, then you’re stuck with the same problem.”

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Check online statements at least annually, and notify life-insurance beneficiaries and make sure they and/or your executor is aware of where these documents are stored.

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To use this option, the executor files an affidavit of voluntary administration.

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As he died without a will, his apartment manager wouldn’t allow us to retrieve his artwork until a probate court designated an estate executor.

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