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

According to the Times, the new executors objected to the film after seeing a cut. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025

An honor in Hialeah For Omer Pardillo Cid, executor of the Celia Cruz Estate and director of the Celia Cruz Foundation, the idea of linking the three centennials was truly inspiring. —Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025

Following Peter’s death, Bob was the initial executor and successor trustee for six months before resigning in May 2024, leading Matt to become the second successor trustee this past June. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2025

How the Alternate Valuation Date Works Imagine the executor as someone planning their New Year’s Eve celebration. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 26 Dec. 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