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

Trump rattled wide swaths of the U.S. defense establishment this week with a draft executive order, whose existence was reported Tuesday by the Wall Street Journal, to create a special panel — dubbed a “warrior board” — that would have the power to force out high-ranking generals and admirals.

From Los Angeles Times

“Within six months, I would expect that executive order to be back in place,” Moynihan said.

From Slate

Soon after taking office, Biden rescinded a Trump-era executive order restricting diversity training on systemic racism in federal government, including the military.

From Los Angeles Times

He has pledged an executive order but birthright citizenship is explicitly guaranteed by the US Constitution, meaning it can only be altered under specific circumstances.

From BBC

He said he would sign an executive order that directs every cabinet secretary and agency head to “use every tool and authority at their disposal” to defeat inflation and to bring consumer prices down.

From BBC