executor

American  

[ig-zek-yuh-ter, ek-si-kyoo-ter] / ɪgˈzɛk yə tər, ˈɛk sɪˌkyu tər /

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.

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executor British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtə /

noun

1. law a person appointed by a testator to carry out the wishes expressed in his will

2. a person who executes

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Other Word Forms

• executorial adjective
• executorship noun
• preexecutor noun
• subexecutor noun
• unexecutorial adjective

Etymology

Origin of executor

1250–1300; Middle English executour < Latin execūtor, equivalent to execū ( tus ) ( execute ) + -tor, -tor; replacing Middle English esecutor < Anglo-French essecutour < Latin, as above

Compare meaning

How does executor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• executor vs. executrix

Example Sentences

This pursuit of this truth makes him not only a liberating literary executor but also a worthy moral educator.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

As AI’s capabilities shift from chatbot to autonomous executor, the stakes shift from tech glitches to major life disruptions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Allen also owned the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. since his death, his sister Jody Allen has been executor of his estate, plus chair of the Seahawks and Trail Blazers.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

For this reason, a professional trustee, executor or POA may be a better choice than a family member.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

“I was sent to retrieve you here, and to take you to my home, where you’ll stay for some time while we figure things out. I am the executor of your parents’ estate.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket