executioner

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər 

: one who executes

especially : one who puts to death

Examples of executioner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Owensboro news media and some white onlookers insist that when the lady sheriff didn’t show up to act as executioner, there was anger in the press’s unmet expectations, which then was taken out on the crowd, with the reporters lying about the audience’s unruly behavior. —Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

At least that is what the executioners have always claimed. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

The executioner pressed the button at 7:06 a.m. and Bundy was officially pronounced dead at 7:16 a.m. by Dr. Frank Kilgo, the chief physician at the Florida State Prison, according to The Oklahoman. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

The regime executed 975 people last year—making Iran the world's top per capita executioner. —Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

executioner

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər 

: a person who carries out a sentence of death

Legal Definition

executioner

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shə-nər 

: one who puts another to death in fulfillment of a judicial death sentence