executor

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-ter, ek-si-kyoo-ter] / ɪgˈzɛk yə tər, ˈɛk sɪˌkyu tər /

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.

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executor British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtə /

noun

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

2. a person who executes

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of executor

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

Compare meaning

How does executor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• executor vs. executrix

Example Sentences

According to his will, signed on 28 January 2013 and seen by the BBC, Martin made the Wadleys his executors and trustees, leaving his estate to them in the event of his death.

From BBC

For this reason, a professional trustee, executor or POA may be a better choice than a family member.

From MarketWatch

An executor can solve problems, or cause them.

From MarketWatch

Documents showed that Epstein had listed Ruemmler as a backup executor in a version of his will and called her the night he was arrested in 2019.

From The Wall Street Journal

Is there anyone besides distant relatives that I can name as an executor and durable power of attorney in the event I become incapacitated?

From MarketWatch