executioner

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: one who executes
especially : one who puts to death

Examples of executioner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At least one of the executioners for Creech’s lethal injection previously was involved in Idaho’s two most recent executions, in 2011 and 2012, Tewalt told the House committee. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024 At least one of the executioners for Creech's lethal injection previously was involved in Idaho's two most recent executions, in 2011 and 2012, Tewalt told the House committee. Kevin Fixler Idaho Statesman (tns), arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2024 Congress is judge, jury, and executioner, with no witnesses for the defense allowed. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 The executioners must have at least three years of medical experience and cannot have blood or legal relationships to either the prisoner, the prisoner’s victims or their respective families. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024 The executioners must have at least three years of medical experience and cannot have blood or legal relationships to either the prisoner, the prisoner's victims or their respective families. Kevin Fixler Idaho Statesman (tns), arkansasonline.com, 10 Mar. 2024 None of the authors or executioners of this stupendous blunder have suffered professionally or lost political standing. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 The two parties agree, for example, that the president possesses the power to play prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner to kill any person anywhere on the planet based on secret, unreviewable speculation that the corpse could have become an imminent national security threat. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 Acting as judge, jury, and executioner on Article 3 of the 14th Amendment—a constitutional provision barring from office those who have engaged in insurrection—Bellows followed the example of the Colorado supreme court. Nr Editors, National Review, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'executioner.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executioner was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near executioner

Cite this Entry

“Executioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executioner. Accessed 1 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

executioner

noun
ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: a person who carries out a sentence of death

Legal Definition

executioner

noun
ex·​e·​cu·​tion·​er ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shə-nər How to pronounce executioner (audio)
: one who puts another to death in fulfillment of a judicial death sentence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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