executioner

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: one who executes
especially : one who puts to death

Examples of executioner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The painting, measuring six feet in width and featuring as its central subject a midcentury executioner’s chair, is estimated around $30 million. Angelica Villa For Artnews, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025 Jane, who may have been as young as 16, is shown blindfolded as an executioner with an axe waits to behead her. Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 On January 16th, Yorkshire’s executioner hanged all fourteen condemned men. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Undertaker plays the omnipotent executioner who can’t quite get Michaels to the chopping block. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for executioner

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executioner was in 1536

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Cite this Entry

“Executioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executioner. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

executioner

noun
ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: a person who carries out a sentence of death

Legal Definition

executioner

noun
ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shə-nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: one who puts another to death in fulfillment of a judicial death sentence

More from Merriam-Webster on executioner

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