executive order

noun

Examples of executive order in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But then on January 20, 2021, the first day of his presidency, Biden issued an executive order to stop all construction of the border wall. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Ending birthright citizenship On his first day back in office, Trump has promised to issue an executive order ending the long-standing Constitutional principle that children born in the U.S. are granted citizenship. Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024 Newsom issued an executive order aimed at lowering electric bills With Californians angry about their skyrocketing electric bills, the governor is directing state regulators to find ways to try to lower power bills in the future, or at the minimum to stop them from rising so quickly. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Biden issued the sweeping AI executive order last year, which focused on harnessing the technology’s benefits while still managing its risks. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near executive order

Cite this Entry

“Executive order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20order. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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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