WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026ex•ec•u•tive /ɪgˈzɛkyətɪv/USA pronunciation
n.
- [countable] a person or group having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization or government.
- Government[uncountable] the executive branch of a government.
adj. [before a noun]
- of, related to, or suited to an executive: executive duties.
- for use by executives:an executive jet.
See -seq-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026ex•ec•u•tive
(ig zek′yə tiv),USA pronunciation n.
- a person or group of persons having administrative or supervisory authority in an organization.
- Governmentthe person or persons in whom the supreme executive power of a government is vested.
- Governmentthe executive branch of a government.
adj.
- of, pertaining to, or suited for carrying out plans, duties, etc.:executive ability.
- Governmentpertaining to or charged with the execution of laws and policies or the administration of public affairs:executive appointments; executive committees.
- designed for, used by, or suitable for executives:an executive suite.
- Medieval Latin execūtīvus, equivalent. to Latin execūt(us) (past participle of ex(s)equī; see execute) + -īvus -ive
- late Middle English 1400–50
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
executive /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/ n - a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business
- (as modifier): executive duties, an executive position
- the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc; administration
- any administration Compare judiciary, legislature
adj - having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc, into practical effect
- of, relating to, or designed for an executive: the executive suite
- informal of the most expensive or exclusive type: executive housing, executive class
exˈecutively adv
'executive' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
