executive officer
Americannoun
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the officer second in command of a military or naval organization.
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an officer charged with executive duties, as in a corporation.
noun
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XO. the second-in-command of any of certain military units
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a specialist seaman officer, responsible under the captain for the routine efficient running of the ship in the US, British (formerly), and certain other navies
Etymology
Origin of executive officer
First recorded in 1780–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
SpaceX is very much tied to the success of Elon Musk as he is the chief executive officer, chief technical officer, and chairman of the board.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
“The market has been hanging on to the idea that however ugly this conflict became, there would eventually be a diplomatic off-ramp,” said Nigel Green, chief executive officer at deVere Group.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026
“This could create serious consequences, including a potential zeroing out of the state’s support for critical emission reduction programs,” said Phillip Fine, executive officer at the Bay Area Air District.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026
Gloucester Rugby said the return of the Kingsholm Summer Series marked "an exciting new chapter for the venue", and Alex Brown, chief executive officer, said it will be "another standout event for the city".
From BBC • May 29, 2026
He deputized Milo to speak to Major de Coverley for him and stormed about impatiently as he waited for the tall executive officer to return.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
