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

The executors of Jackson’s estate John Branca and John McClain will produce Michael, alongside Graham King, the producer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024

The first stone, Tomlin said, would have borne the name of the deceased, followed by the name of the inscription’s dedicatee (or executor). —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Some are car specialists, some are creative, some are executors. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024

If no executor exists, the trustee may proceed with the election. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

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