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

Only someone with legal standing — an executor, heir, creditor or beneficiary, for example — can typically file a petition in a case such as this.

From MarketWatch

Crucially, a trust would help your executor, or the administrator of your estate, to avoid probate.

From MarketWatch

Bad executors, greedy friends, bad estate planning, elder financial abuse and Medicaid concerns.

From MarketWatch

You can appoint a trusted friend or relative or lawyer with your power of attorney document, or as your executor.

From MarketWatch

My parents named my brother, their only son, as executor.

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