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.
Your will directs the executor to transfer assets to the trust. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The executor instead has to handle valid creditor claims through the estate administration or probate process instead. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Barrow is the sole trustee of the trust and executor of Voletta’s estate. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 While Houston died in 2012, this Barbie was created in partnership with Pat Houston, executor of Whitney Houston’s estate. — Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, VIBE.com, 10 Aug. 2026 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on executor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for executor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about executor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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