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
b
: literary executor
executorial
ig-ˌze-k(y)ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce executor (audio)
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.
As the executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate, Malcolm LaVergne sells Simpson’s assets to pay off leftover debts. — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 And second, in both titis and Barbaries, females exhibit a high degree of autonomy and are the executors of mate choice. — Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 Hudson’s estate executor confirmed the news to The Star. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2025 So, part of your friend’s hesitation may be related to the scope of the duties required of a will’s executor. — R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2024 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

Phrases Containing executor

Browse Nearby Words

executive session
executor
executor-dative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Executor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executor. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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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
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