I. igˈzekyəd.iv, eg-, ÷ -kə-, -ətiv sometimes ÷ -ktiv or ÷ -ktēv adjective
1. : designed or fitted for or relating to execution or carrying into effect
executive board
executive skill
executive plan
executive committee
2. : qualified for, concerned with, or relating to the execution of the laws or the conduct of public and national affairs
executive duties
executive authority
: belonging to the branch of the government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, supreme command of the armed forces, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through the veto, the initiation of legislation, and dissolution of the legislature)
executive department
— distinguished from judicial and legislative
3. : active, effectual, or skillful in managing, directing, or accomplishing
the executive aspects of the ego — Abram Kardiner
under the supervision of his very strong-minded, executive wife — Margaret Mead
4. : relating or belonging to an executive
executive rewards
executive suite of offices
• ex·ec·u·tive·ly -ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• ex·ec·u·tive·ness -ivnə̇s, -ēv- also -əv- noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
1. : the executive branch of a government ; also : the person or persons who constitute the executive magistracy of a state
2. : a directing or controlling body of an organization (as a political party, a labor union) : an executive council or committee
3. : one who holds a position of administrative or managerial responsibility in a business or other organization : administrator , officer
chief sales executive