executive

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv]

noun

a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.

the person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.

the executive branch of a government.

adjective

of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc.: executive ability.

pertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs: executive appointments; executive committees.

designed for, used by, or suitable for executives: an executive suite.

Origin of executive

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin execūtīvus, equivalent to Latin execūt(us) (past participle of ex(s)equī; see execute) + -īvus -ive

Related formsex·ec·u·tive·ly, adverbex·ec·u·tive·ness, nounnon·ex·ec·u·tive, adjective, nounpro·ex·ec·u·tive, adjectivesem·i·ex·ec·u·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for nonexecutive

nonexecutive

adjective

not having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effecta nonexecutive role on the board

executive

noun

a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business
(as modifier)executive duties; an executive position

the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration
any administrationCompare judiciary, legislature

adjective

having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect

of, relating to, or designed for an executivethe executive suite

informal of the most expensive or exclusive typeexecutive housing; executive class

Derived Formsexecutively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for nonexecutive

executive

adj.

mid-15c., "performed, carried out;" 1640s, "of the branch of government that carries out the laws," from Middle French executif, from Latin executivus, from past participle stem of exequi (see execution). The noun in this sense is from 1776, as a branch of government. Meaning "businessman" is 1902 in American English. Executive privilege is attested by 1805, American English.