executive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​ec·​u·​tive ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tiv 

-kyü-

1

a

: of or relating to the execution of the laws and the conduct of public and national affairs

b

: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through veto) compare judicial, legislative

2

a

: designed for or relating to execution or carrying into effect

executive board

b

: having administrative or managerial responsibility

executive director

3

: of or relating to an executive

the executive offices

executive

2 of 2

noun

1

: the executive branch of a government

also : the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state

2

: a directing or controlling office of an organization

3

: one that exercises administrative or managerial control

Synonyms of executive

Adjective

• administrative
• managerial

Noun

• manager
• director
• administrator
• superintendent
• supervisor

Examples of executive in a Sentence

Adjective

She has good executive skills.

He has an executive position in the company.

In the U.S., the President is the head of the executive branch of government.

Noun

The television network's executives decided not to air the controversial show.

The President is the chief executive of the U.S.

matters of policy controlled by the executive

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Almost two years after 13 people were arrested for allegedly damaging Stanford University’s executive offices during a June 2024 protest urging the school to divest from companies linked to Israel, five defendants are now on trial in Santa Clara County Superior Court. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2026

However, the text of his Wednesday order caps salaries at current levels and ties future executive incentive compensation to delivery and production metrics. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Noun

When asked about the AI bubble, executives from chipmakers Intel and Qualcomm pointed to their respective companies’ efforts to improve how computers process AI tasks locally rather than in the cloud. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

The second lawsuit, filed by Kiaran Shadowbolt in late December, is a federal derivatives complaint, an attempt to sue Firefly executives and board members on behalf of the company itself, by a shareholder. —Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1690, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing executive

• account executive
• chief executive
• chief executive officer
• executive agreement
• executive chef
• executive control
• executive council
• executive function
• executive officer
• executive order
• executive privilege
• executive secretary
• executive session
• the executive

Rhymes for executive

• consecutive

Kids Definition

executive

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​ec·​u·​tive ig-ˈzek-(y)ət-iv 

1

: of or relating to the carrying out of laws and the conduct of public and national affairs

the executive branch of government

2

: fitted for or relating to the managing or directing of things

executive skills

an executive program for a computer

3

: of or relating to an executive

the executive offices

executive

2 of 2 noun

1

: the executive branch of a government

2

: a person who manages or directs

Legal Definition

executive

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​ec·​u·​tive

1

: of or relating to the execution or carrying out of laws

serving a warrant is an executive function

especially : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, overseeing the execution of laws, and appointment of officials see also administrative compare judicial, legislative

2

a

: of or relating to execution

b

: having administrative or managerial responsibility

an executive director

3

: of, relating to, or issued by an executive

an executive pardon

executive

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: the executive branch of a government compare judiciary, legislature

b

: the person or persons making up that branch see also governor, mayor, president

2

: a person who exercises administrative or managerial control