execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : performance

put the plan into execution

2

: a putting to death especially as a legal penalty

3

: the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ directing such enforcement

4

: the act or mode or result of performance

The quarterback's execution of the play was flawless.

5

archaic : effective or destructive action

… his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution …

—William Shakespeare

—usually used with do

… as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done …

—Daniel Defoe

Synonyms of execution

• implementation
• fulfillment
• perpetration
• performance
• accomplishment

Examples of execution in a Sentence

He is in prison awaiting execution.

The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.

skillful execution of the dance steps

Recent Examples on the Web

Trail currently is on death row and petitioned the state of Nebraska in August 2023 to set his execution date; Trail is 10th in line on death row for the state. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Sharper execution will be key against the Timberwolves at home Friday night. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

During the 1990s the Taliban carried out numerous public executions in the sports stadium in Kabul. — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

It’s scheduled to be the 20th execution in the state so far this year, and the first involving a case out of Monroe County. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English execucion, from Anglo-French, from Latin exsecution-, exsecutio, from exsequi to execute, from ex- + sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing execution

• stay of execution

Rhymes for execution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Kids Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish

put a plan into execution

2

: a putting to death as a legal penalty

3

: the way in which something is executed

Legal Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing

witnessed the execution of the will

2

: a putting to death as fulfillment of a judicial death sentence

3

: the process of enforcing a judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ (as fieri facias) by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect see also levy