executive order

noun

, (often initial capital letters)

1. an order having the force of law issued by the president of the U.S. to the army, navy, or other part of the executive branch of the government.

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive order¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

In an interview, Gloria said his executive order reflected the seriousness of the situation as a response to rising infections and complaints from some businesses that others weren’t following the rules.

From Voice of San Diego

Governor Pierluisi didn’t take up the decision of approving an executive order acknowledging the gender-based violence crisis on the island because it was the right thing to do or he had the will to do it, but because he was forced to do so.

From Washington Blade

“I’m hoping with the president’s executive order, perhaps they are going to say, okay, we’ve got to do this differently,” Barton said.

From Washington Post

While signing executive orders is the easy part, now begins the hard part — getting legislation through Congress.

From Washington Blade

Meanwhile, three San Diego City Council members are urging Mayor Todd Gloria to impose a similar restriction locally, via executive order.

From Voice of San Diego

President Bush had issued an executive order to hold everyone captured on the battlefield.

From The Daily Beast

The suit comes after his attempt to overturn the standards via executive order was rejected by a judge in state court last week.

From The Daily Beast

This executive order would get the attention of major corporations, most of which receive federal contracts.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, as an executive order, the act can be erased if Cruz/Paul/Rubio/Bush/Perry takes Ohio in two years.

From The Daily Beast

At his press conference, Obama was coy about future changes in immigration law through executive order.

From The Daily Beast

At a subsequent meeting, May 8, it was considered and adopted, and was promulgated as an Executive Order on the following day.

From Project Gutenberg

President Lincoln, therefore, issued an Executive Order prescribing retaliatory measures.

From Project Gutenberg

And did that letter include in it a copy of the Executive order creating the Commission?

From Project Gutenberg

Within the purview of the Executive order which established the Commission.

From Project Gutenberg

Such lands have been set aside not only by treaty but in many cases by act of Congress, and in others by executive order.

From Project Gutenberg