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noun

executor

ihg-ZEHK-yuut

Executor (noun) means a person legally appointed to carry out the instructions in someone's will. Example: “She named her eldest son as executor of her estate.”

noun
1
A person legally appointed to carry out the instructions in someone's will.
"She named her eldest son as executor of her estate."
2
A person or part of a system that carries out a task.
"The workflow engine acts as the executor for each scheduled job."

How to use executor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe person (or component) responsible for making sure a will, or a task, actually gets carried out.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "executioner" — an executor handles a will, not a death sentence.

Easily confused with

Word forms

executors plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She named her eldest son as _____ of her estate.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman executour, from Latin exsecutor, "one who carries out."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for executor

See all rhymes for executor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “executor” mean?

The word “executor” means a person legally appointed to carry out the instructions in someone's will. In plain terms, the person (or component) responsible for making sure a will, or a task, actually gets carried out.

How do you pronounce “executor”?

“Executor” is pronounced ihg-ZEHK-yuut (/ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “executor” in a sentence?

Here is “executor” used in a sentence: “She named her eldest son as executor of her estate.”

What part of speech is “executor”?

“Executor” is a noun.

Where does the word “executor” come from?

The word “executor” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman executour, from Latin exsecutor, "one who carries out.".

How many meanings does “executor” have?

“Executor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person legally appointed to carry out the instructions in someone's will.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial