executor

noun

ex·​ec·​u·​tor ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tər How to pronounce executor (audio)
or in sense 1
ˈek-sə-ˌkyü- How to pronounce executor (audio)
Synonyms of executornext
1
a
: one who executes something
b
obsolete : executioner
2
a
: the person appointed by a testator to execute a will
executorial adjective

Examples of executor in a Sentence

He named his daughter as his executor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Oversight Committee has already scheduled depositions for Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, the co-executors of Epstein's estate, this month. Maegan Vazquez The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026 Jody Allen, as her brother’s executor and trustee, has a legal obligation to sell the team for as much money as possible, which requires careful timing and good business judgment when appraising the asset’s fair market value. Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 27 Feb. 2026 The deal, if approved by a judge, would bring an end to a 2024 lawsuit filed against Epstein‘s former personal lawyer Darren Indyke and former accountant Richard Kahn, who are co-executors of Epstein‘s estate. Reuters, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026 His sister, Jody Allen, became executor of his estate after his death and took over the leadership of the franchise, overseeing the sale of his assets and donations to charity. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin exsecutor, from exsequi

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of executor was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Executor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executor. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

executor

noun
ex·​ec·​u·​tor ig-ˈzek-(y)ət-ər How to pronounce executor (audio)
in sense 1 also
ˈek-sə-ˌkyüt- How to pronounce executor (audio)
1
: a person who executes something
2
: the person named in a will to carry it out

Legal Definition

executor

noun
ex·​ec·​u·​tor ig-ˈze-kyə-tər How to pronounce executor (audio)
: a person named by a testator to execute or carry out the instructions in a will compare administrator
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster