executive

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-tiv] / ɪgˈzɛk yə tɪv /

noun

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

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

3. the executive branch of a government.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc..

   executive ability.

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

   executive appointments;

   executive committees.

3. designed for, used by, or suitable for executives.

   an executive suite.

executive British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv /

noun

1. 1. a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business

   2. ( as modifier )

      executive duties

      an executive position

2. 1. the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration

   2. any administration Compare judiciary legislature

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adjective

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

2. of, relating to, or designed for an executive

   the executive suite

3. informal of the most expensive or exclusive type

   executive housing

   executive class

Other Word Forms

• executively adverb
• executiveness noun
• nonexecutive adjective
• proexecutive adjective
• semiexecutive adjective

Etymology

Origin of executive

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin execūtīvus; equivalent to execute + -ive

Example Sentences

Many “return to office” mandates and expectations started as decrees from C-suite executives, after the pandemic broadened the appeal of working from home.

From MarketWatch

It included retirees worried about executive overreach, young parents concerned about Congress ceding its constitutional role, veterans supporting Ukraine, and immigrants who know firsthand what authoritarianism looks like.

From The Wall Street Journal

Silicon Valley has stopped talking politics—except for this Google executive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nike executives predicted quarterly sales would drop as much as 20% in China, causing shares to tumble.

From The Wall Street Journal

Google executives toured Russian startups looking for acquisitions well into the 2000s.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• administration
• administrator
• boss
• chief
• commander
• director
• entrepreneur
• government
• leader
• management
• manager
• officer
• official
• supervisor