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

In addition to an administrator/executor, she will need a trust and estate attorney to navigate the process.

Read more on MarketWatch

An executor has a fiduciary responsibility to honestly deal with all aspects of the deceased’s estate, including paying creditors and taxes and distributing assets to heirs.

Read more on MarketWatch

I received an inheritance from my father’s estate, but the executor wants me to give it back.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related: I received an inheritance from my father’s estate, but the executor wants me to give it back.

Read more on MarketWatch

Importantly, setting up a trust would help your husband’s executor — that is, you — to avoid probate.

Read more on MarketWatch