executive branch

noun

plural executive branches
: the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, overseeing the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through veto) : executive compare judicial branch, legislative branch

Examples of executive branch 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 court handed the president wins and losses on issues ranging from birthright citizenship to his ability to fire executive branch officials. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026 In doing so, the court struck down a nearly century-old precedent protecting the leaders of independent executive branch agencies from at-will removal by the president. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026 Under federal law, presidents are exempt from the criminal conflict of interest statute that applies to most executive branch officials. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 June 2026 Just two years earlier a president had resigned in disgrace after what had been one of the nation’s toughest constitutional challenges, putting immense pressure on Congress and the Supreme Court to respond to a rogue executive branch. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive branch

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive branch was in 1779

Rhymes for executive branch

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Browse Nearby Words

executive agreement
executive branch
executive chef
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Cite this Entry

“Executive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20branch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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