executive

adjective
ex·​ec·​u·​tive | \ ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tiv How to pronounce executive (audio) , -kyü- \

Definition of executive

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of or relating to the execution of the laws and the conduct of public and national affairs
b : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through veto) — compare judicial, legislative
2a : designed for or relating to execution or carrying into effect executive board
b : having administrative or managerial responsibility executive director
3 : of or relating to an executive the executive offices

executive

noun

Definition of executive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the executive branch of a government also : the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state
2 : a directing or controlling office of an organization
3 : one that exercises administrative or managerial control

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Examples of executive in a Sentence

Adjective She has good executive skills. He has an executive position in the company. In the U.S., the President is the head of the executive branch of government. Noun The television network's executives decided not to air the controversial show. The President is the chief executive of the U.S. matters of policy controlled by the executive
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The event will also highlight the executive actions and policy proposals that honor Black History by working to lift every voice and improving the futures of Black Americans. Donna Owens, Essence, "A Historic Meeting: Vice President Kamala Harris Welcomes Congressional Black Caucus to the White House," 26 Feb. 2021 President Joe Biden came to office vowing to unwind the prior administration's hardline immigration policies, signing a slew of executive actions and pushing for legislative reform. Quinn Owen And Jordyn Phelps, ABC News, "US refugee agency for children at risk of maxing out capacity," 25 Feb. 2021 Some of his first executive actions were a moratorium on new oil and gas leasing on federal lands and a commitment to minimize pollution in communities of color. Sammy Roth Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "How far will Biden go to fix the climate crisis? Pay attention to this gas project," 24 Feb. 2021 This is good news, but executive actions by President Biden will not be enough. Ben Santer, Scientific American, "Biden Channels FDR on STEM Policy," 18 Feb. 2021 Many of the executive actions Mr. Trump took against China were left incomplete, or were riddled with loopholes. New York Times, "Biden on ‘Short Leash’ as Administration Rethinks China Relations," 17 Feb. 2021 Regan generally received a positive reaction from Republican senators on the committee during his confirmation hearing on Feb. 3, even from those who were critical of Biden’s executive actions on climate change. Abby Smith, Washington Examiner, "Michael Regan moves toward confirmation for EPA chief as GOP warns of 'regulatory march' to a Green New Deal," 9 Feb. 2021 Biden has signed a series of executive actions that reverse course on a wide range of issues, including climate change and immigration. Fox News, "Iran demands US lift sanctions before it lives up to nuclear deal," 7 Feb. 2021 Biden has signed a series of executive actions that reverse course on a wide range of issues, including climate change and immigration. NBC News, "U.S. must lift sanctions before Iran lives up to nuclear deal, supreme leader Khamenei says," 7 Feb. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Former Texas Democratic Party executive director Manny Garcia conceded that Democrats in Texas and across the nation have to get better at communicating with down-ballot voters. Dallas News, "GOP 2020 ground game beat Democrats, but both parties have work to do in 2022," 1 Mar. 2021 VetArt founder and executive director Steven Dilley has seen first-hand how group art classes have helped veterans in their journeys back to wellness. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Veterans Art Project plans virtual workshop Saturday at Oceanside museum," 26 Feb. 2021 Almost 1,500 public water systems in Texas had reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality. John Bacon, USA TODAY, "Houston mayor accuses energy industry of 'price gouging' as Texas warms up after historic storm," 22 Feb. 2021 As of Saturday, 1,445 public water systems in Texas had reported disrupted operations, said Toby Baker executive director of the state Commission on Environmental Quality. Jake Bleiberg And Mark Scolforo, The Christian Science Monitor, "Texas warms up: Electricity returns and water repairs underway," 21 Feb. 2021 Mildred Franco, executive director, at francomildred@goforwardpb.org. Pine Bluff Commercial, Arkansas Online, "Calendar 2-21-21," 21 Feb. 2021 That $8 million project is to be completed by June 2022, said Robin Reese, Thirty Six Blocks executive director. Tom Daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Expansion plan for affordable apartments development just north of downtown Milwaukee receives first city approval," 19 Feb. 2021 At Oakmont of Montecito in Concord, executive director Elaine Wong said around 76% of residents and staff are women. Mallory Moench, San Francisco Chronicle, "More Bay Area women are getting vaccinated than men. Here's why," 4 Feb. 2021 Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy said the plan is for Jones to dress out and see how his ankle feels. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, "Senior Bowl live stream (1/30): How to watch college football all-star game online, TV, time," 30 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'executive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of executive

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for executive

Time Traveler

The first known use of executive was in 1649

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Statistics for executive

Last Updated

4 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Executive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for executive

executive

noun

English Language Learners Definition of executive

: a person who manages or directs other people in a company or organization
: the executive branch of a government

executive

adjective
ex·​ec·​u·​tive | \ ig-ˈze-kyə-tiv How to pronounce executive (audio) \

Kids Definition of executive

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : fitted for or relating to the managing or directing of things Claudia showed the executive ability of a corporation president.— E. L. Konigsburg, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
2 : relating to the carrying out of the law and the conduct of public affairs the executive branch of government

executive

noun

Kids Definition of executive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a person who manages or directs a sales executive
2 : the executive branch of a government

executive

adjective
ex·​ec·​u·​tive

Legal Definition of executive

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of or relating to the execution or carrying out of laws serving a warrant is an executive function especially : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, overseeing the execution of laws, and appointment of officials — see also administrative — compare judicial, legislative
2a : of or relating to execution
b : having administrative or managerial responsibility an executive director
3 : of, relating to, or issued by an executive an executive pardon

executive

noun

Legal Definition of executive (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : the executive branch of a government — compare judiciary, legislature
b : the person or persons making up that branch — see also governor, mayor, president
2 : a person who exercises administrative or managerial control

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Comments on executive

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