executor

noun

ex·​ec·​u·​tor ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tər 

or in sense 1

ˈek-sə-ˌkyü- 

1

a

: one who executes something

b

obsolete : executioner

2

a

: the person appointed by a testator to execute a will

b

: literary executor

executorial

ig-ˌze-k(y)ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

Examples of executor in a Sentence

He named his daughter as his executor.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the family's lawsuit, the will nominates two attorneys, who allegedly did not know Hsieh, to serve as his co-executors and oversee his estate. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

If he is convicted of murder, he will be excluded from being appointed as an executor, trustee, guardian, conservator, or custodian of the estate. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 15 Dec. 2025

Another related bill signed by Hochul requires written consent from heirs or executors if a person wants to use the name, image, or likeness of an individual for commercial purposes after their death. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 12 Dec. 2025

In a crypto-specific context, anyone who hasn't updated their estate plan in the past several years may not have language to provide legal authority for the trustee or executor to gain access to digital assets. —Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing executor

• co-executor
• literary executor

Kids Definition

executor

noun

ex·​ec·​u·​tor ig-ˈzek-(y)ət-ər 

in sense 1 also

ˈek-sə-ˌkyüt- 

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 

: a person named by a testator to execute or carry out the instructions in a will compare administrator