executive order

noun

: regulation sense 2b

Examples of executive order in a Sentence

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.
The administration issued an executive order on June 2 mandating the creation of this framework within 60 days, or by August 1. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 The latest executive orders come as the president has faced dismal approval ratings in recent weeks, and the war in Iran has driven up energy prices. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026 On Tuesday local time, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order banning the construction of new large-scale data centers with a power capacity of 50 megawatts or more for up to one year. — CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 Two more executive orders this summer declared quantum supremacy a national priority. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive order

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive order was in 1862

Rhymes for executive order

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Browse Nearby Words

executive officer
executive order
executive privilege
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Cite this Entry

“Executive order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20order. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

executive order

noun
: an order issued by a government's executive on the basis of authority specifically granted to the executive branch (as by the U.S. Constitution or a congressional act)
the National Security Agency was created by an executive order
compare proclamation, statute

Note: An executive order from the president does not have the force of law until it is printed in the Federal Register.

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