executable

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​e·​cut·​able ˈek-si-ˌkyü-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being executed

an executable plan/strategy

specifically, computers : consisting of or containing coded instructions that can be run without using an assembler or compiler

executable code

A compiler needs to run only once, because it creates an executable file.

—Tom Campbell

2

: having execution (see execution sense 2) as a legal penalty : punishable by death

The report says that the scope of executable offenses is growing beyond internationally accepted boundaries.

—Betsy Pisik

executable

2 of 2

noun

plural executables

: a set of computer instructions (such as a program (see program sense 6a)) that has been prepared so that it can be run by a CPU without additional processing

Though it will no longer infect anyone, running a text file as an executable can crash the operating system.

—Oliver Kaven

The [hacker] group relied on users' familiarity with the Windows folder icons and the File Explorer interface to dupe victims into running malicious executables.

—Liam Tung

Examples of executable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are then two distinct routes that the threat can follow: either a .NET executable or an AutoIt dropper. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Avoid downloading executable files: If an online document converter provides an .exe, .bat or .scr file instead of a standard document format, do not download or run it. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Noun

Use a reputable security tool to check for hidden scripts, unusual shortcuts or unexpected executables. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025

This targeted Windows desktop not phone users, and essentially meant an image could actually be an executable that would run on your device. —Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

execute + -able

Noun

derivative of executable entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for executable

• computable
• disputable
• immutable
• imputable
• inscrutable
• unsuitable
• indisputable
• irrefutable
• substitutable
• mutable
• suitable