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
Ethics regulations that govern executive branch employees prevent them from participating in gambling activities while on duty for the government or on government property, according to a White House official.
—
Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The two-judge majority found that the case raised separation of powers concerns, since the judiciary was attempting to investigate executive branch deliberations into matters of national security and foreign policy, areas that are committed to the political branches, not the courts.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
ProPublica’s reporting is based on interviews with roughly 30 current or former executive branch officials familiar with the work of Trump loyalists installed in election roles.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 13 Apr. 2026
Changes to electoral rules, increasing executive branch control over the judiciary, media dominance and the use of state resources give the ruling party structural advantages.
—Nick Spicer, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Federal law prohibits executive branch employees, including the president, from discussing certain economic data before and within the first hour after its release.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2026
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Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The two-judge majority found that the case raised separation of powers concerns, since the judiciary was attempting to investigate executive branch deliberations into matters of national security and foreign policy, areas that are committed to the political branches, not the courts.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
ProPublica’s reporting is based on interviews with roughly 30 current or former executive branch officials familiar with the work of Trump loyalists installed in election roles.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 13 Apr. 2026
Changes to electoral rules, increasing executive branch control over the judiciary, media dominance and the use of state resources give the ruling party structural advantages.
—Nick Spicer, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Federal law prohibits executive branch employees, including the president, from discussing certain economic data before and within the first hour after its release.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Executive branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20branch. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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