executive
ihg-ZEHK-yuu-tihv
Executive (noun) means a senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization. Example: “The chief executive welcomed staff at the annual company meeting.”
noun
1
A senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization.
"The chief executive welcomed staff at the annual company meeting."
"A sales executive from the firm called to arrange a visit."
"She was promoted to senior executive after ten years at the firm."
2
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and running day-to-day state affairs.
"In many countries, the executive proposes policies while the courts interpret the law."
"The executive is responsible for running public services day to day."
"The executive branch is headed by the President in the United States."
adj
1
Relating to management or the carrying out of decisions and plans.
"She made the executive decision to move the launch to next week."
"He holds an executive role in charge of planning and budgets."
"The board holds executive meetings every Monday morning."
How to use executive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA top-level decision-maker in a business or government, or anything relating to that role.
Common pairings
chief executive
executive branch
executive decision
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Word forms
- Plural
- executives
- Comparative
- more executive
- Superlative
- most executive
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The chief _____ welcomed staff at the annual company meeting.
Etymology
From Latin exsequi, "to follow through" — via Middle French executif.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for executive
See all rhymes for executive →Frequently asked questions
What does “executive” mean?
The word “executive” means a senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization. In plain terms, a top-level decision-maker in a business or government, or anything relating to that role.
How do you pronounce “executive”?
“Executive” is pronounced ihg-ZEHK-yuu-tihv (/ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “executive” in a sentence?
Here is “executive” used in a sentence: “She was promoted to senior executive after ten years at the firm.”
What part of speech is “executive”?
Depending on how it is used, “executive” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “executive” come from?
The word “executive” comes from Latin. From Latin exsequi, "to follow through" — via Middle French executif.
Is “executive” a common word?
“Executive” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “executive” have?
“Executive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a senior manager with authority to make important decisions in a company or organization.
What is the difference between an executive and a manager?
An executive sits at the top of an organization, setting overall strategy and making major decisions that shape its direction. A manager works below that level, overseeing day-to-day operations and the staff who carry out the plans. In short, executives decide where the company goes; managers run how it gets there.
What are the different types of executives?
Senior executives are often called the 'C-suite' after their titles. Common roles include the CEO (chief executive officer), who leads the whole organization; the CFO (chief financial officer), responsible for finances; the COO for operations; and others such as the CTO for technology and CMO for marketing.
What does an executive do?
An executive makes the high-level decisions that steer a company — setting goals, approving budgets, shaping strategy, and hiring senior staff. Rather than handling daily tasks personally, executives guide the organization's overall direction and are held responsible for its performance and results to owners or a board.
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