executive order

noun

: regulation sense 2b

Examples of executive order in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the shore of Lake Mendota at the state park named for the holiday's founder, Gov. Tony Evers on Earth Day signed an executive order pledging that the state will plant 100 million trees by the end of 2030 — an increase from the state's initial commitment of 75 million. —Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

This – this administration has issued 63 executive orders and executive actions singularly focused on Alaska to shut our state down. —CBS News, 21 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

executive order

noun

: an order issued by a government's executive on the basis of authority specifically granted to the executive branch (as by the U.S. Constitution or a congressional act)

the National Security Agency was created by an executive order

compare proclamation, statute

Note: An executive order from the president does not have the force of law until it is printed in the Federal Register.