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 Death, illustrated as a somewhat scary, hooded executioner with an ax, looms over Leonardo on a few occasions. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top executioners, behind only China and Iran in 2022, according to Amnesty International. Jon Gambrell The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2023 The idea of a female executioner sold more newspapers. David Reamer | Alaska History, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Aug. 2023 The tennis ball is a bit smaller than usual, and more tightly wound; it’s made of leather and the hair of Anne Boleyn, which was preserved by her French executioner. The New Yorker, 9 July 2023 In some gruesome cases, executioners are forced to cut into the inmate's neck or groin to find a place to insert the needle. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2023 His newest executioner, Sagiri, offers Gabimaru a chance to be pardoned of all his crimes: join an expedition to a mysterious island to find a mythical elixir that grants immortality. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2023 Indianapolis Star Tri-West Hendricks played judge, jury and executioner in ruling a 4-0 verdict over Gibson Southern on June 3 in Indiana softball action. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 4 June 2023 Halt: Tri-West Hendricks pushes the mute button on Gibson Southern's offense Tri-West Hendricks played judge, jury and executioner in ruling a 4-0 verdict over Gibson Southern on June 3 in Indiana softball action. Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 4 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'executioner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executioner was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near executioner

Cite this Entry

“Executioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executioner. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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