executive

[ ig-zek-yuh-tiv ]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Derived Forms

• exˈecutively, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·ecu·tive·ly adverb
• ex·ecu·tive·ness noun
• nonex·ecu·tive adjective noun
• proex·ecu·tive adjective
• semi·ex·ecu·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive¹

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

Example Sentences

During the recent election campaign, Trump called climate change “a scam” and his transition team has already drawn up executive orders to exit from the Paris climate accords.

From Salon

Kate Burt, the chief executive of the Haemophilia Society, said families were "shocked and angry" that successful claims had subsequently been rejected "without adequate explanation".

From BBC

Perhaps mindful of it, the executives seemed to choose their words carefully.

From BBC

Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, said it is "tackling financial crime... on a scale that has never been done before in the UK".

From BBC

Trudeau flew to Palm Beach to visit Trump at his so-called "winter White House," seeking to avoid the stiff tariffs that Trump has promised to enact via executive order on his first day in office.

From Salon

Related Words

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