1. A person or group having administrative or managerial authority in an organization.

2. The chief officer of a government, state, or political division.

3. The branch of government charged with putting into effect a country's laws and the administering of its functions.

4. Computers A set of coded instructions designed to process and control other coded instructions.

1. Of, relating to, capable of, or suited for carrying out or executing: an advisory body lacking executive powers.

2. Having, characterized by, or relating to administrative or managerial authority: the executive director of a drama troupe; executive experience and skills.

3. Of or relating to the branch of government charged with the execution and administration of the nation's laws.