¹executive

adjective ex·ec·u·tive \ig-ˈze-k(y)ə-tiv, -kyü-\

: relating to the job of managing or directing other people in a company or organizaton

: of, relating to, or used by the people who manage or direct a company or organization

: responsible for making sure laws are carried out and for managing the affairs of a nation

Full Definition of EXECUTIVE

a : 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

a : designed for or relating to execution or carrying into effect <executive board>

b : having administrative or managerial responsibility <executive director>

: of or relating to an executive <the executive offices>

See executive defined for English-language learners

See executive defined for kids

First Known Use of EXECUTIVE

1649

Related to EXECUTIVE

Synonyms: administrative, directorial, managerial, supervisory

Antonyms: nonmanagerial, nonsupervisory

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

²executive

noun

: a person who manages or directs other people in a company or organization

the executive : the executive branch of a government

Full Definition of EXECUTIVE

: the executive branch of a government; also : the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state

: a directing or controlling office of an organization

: one that exercises administrative or managerial control

See executive defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of EXECUTIVE

1774

Related to EXECUTIVE

Synonyms: administrant, administrator, archon, director, exec, manager, superintendent, supervisor

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

EXECUTIVE Defined for Kids

¹executive

adjective ex·ec·u·tive \ig-ˈze-kyə-tiv\

Definition of EXECUTIVE for Kids

: 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>

: relating to the carrying out of the law and the conduct of public affairs <the executive branch of government>