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

The growth trajectory of the company is based on strong demand for greater visibility and more consistent execution in a more complex global market. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

In the interview, Artem describes the planning and execution of the assault, while the accompanying video features footage of the operation. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Will Florida’s execution of a 74-year-old change the death penalty debate? — TheWeek, 17 July 2026

Forté, whose office was among the agencies drawn into questions about the operation, has repeatedly said deputies did not assist with the execution of the federal search warrant. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 17 July 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