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

Derived Forms

• exˈecutorˌship, noun
• exˌecuˈtorial, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·ec·u·to·ri·al [ig-zek-y, uh, -, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• ex·ecu·tor·ship noun
• preex·ecu·tor noun
• subex·ecu·tor noun
• unex·ecu·tori·al 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

You will also need to name an executor of your estate.

From Salon

After someone dies, the executors of their estate are able to pursue claims for past damages.

From BBC

Three current and former Albertsons executors were also in on the handout.

From Los Angeles Times

If you were counting on an account to pay final expenses but forgot you named a beneficiary, your executor probably couldn’t access those funds.

From Los Angeles Times

According to court documents, Katherine Jackson had previously complained that selling assets from Michael Jackson’s catalog would violate her son’s wishes, but acknowledged that executors had the power to do so.

From Los Angeles Times