self-executing

adjective

self-ex·​e·​cut·​ing ˌself-ˈek-sə-ˌkyü-tiŋ How to pronounce self-executing (audio)
: taking effect immediately without implementing legislation
a self-executing treaty

Examples of self-executing 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.
Optimizing Smart Contracts Smart contracts—self-executing code on the blockchain—are essential but can be prone to vulnerabilities that risk user funds. Tonya Evans, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Finally, blockchain smart contracts—essentially, self-executing, irreversible exchanges of cryptocurrency—automatically process the trades and distribute money to the winners. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024 Would there be consequences for future violations (e.g., self-executing action for reoccurrence of the problematic conduct)? Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 These exchanges generally operate on smart contracts — self-executing code stored in the blockchain that automatically processes trades without intermediaries. Roomy Khan, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 Smart contracts—self-executing contracts with terms of the agreement written directly into code—can automate payments and ensure fair, prompt compensation. Julian Durand, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Ethereum is a platform for building smart contracts, which are self-executing programs that enforce a pre-existing contract or agreement. Bob Pisani, CNBC, 23 July 2024 Smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, are fundamental to DeFi, automating processes and ensuring transparency. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 12 June 2024 Smart contracts, self-executing agreements on the blockchain, could be used to automate certain aspects of ownership transfer, like property taxes or inheritance processes. Nikita Sachdev, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-executing was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near self-executing

Cite this Entry

“Self-executing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-executing. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

self-executing

adjective
self-ex·​e·​cut·​ing
ˈself-ˈek-sə-ˌkü-tiŋ
: taking effect immediately without the need for implementing legislation or further judicial action
a self-executing judgment
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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