'Executive' definitions:

Definition of 'executive'

From: WordNet
adjective
Having the function of carrying out plans or orders etc.; "the executive branch"
noun
A person responsible for the administration of a business [syn: executive, executive director]
noun
Persons who administer the law
noun
Someone who manages a government agency or department [syn: administrator, executive]

Definition of 'Executive'

From: GCIDE
  • Executive \Ex*ec"u*tive\, a. [Cf.F. ex['e]cutif.]
  • 1. Designed or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect; as, executive talent; qualifying for, concerned with, or pertaining to, the execution of the laws or the conduct of affairs; as, executive power or authority; executive duties, officer, department, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: In government, executive is distinguished from legislative and judicial; legislative being applied to the organ or organs of government which make the laws; judicial, to that which interprets and applies the laws; executive, to that which carries them into effect or secures their due performance. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. of or pertaining to an executive[2] or to the group of executives within an organization; as, executive compensation increased more rapidly than wages in the 1980's; the executive suite. [PJC]

Definition of 'Executive'

From: GCIDE
  • Executive \Ex*ec"u*tive\, n.
  • 1. An impersonal title of the chief magistrate or officer who administers the government, whether king, president, or governor; the governing person or body. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. a person who has administrative authority over an organization or division of an organization; a manager, supervisor or administrator at a high level within an organization; as, all executives of the company were given stock options [PJC]