execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 
1
: the act or process of executing : performance
2
: a putting to death especially as a legal penalty
3
: the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)
also
: a judicial writ directing such enforcement
4
: the act or mode or result of performance
5
archaic
: effective or destructive action
his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution—
William Shakespeare
—usually used with doWilliam Shakespeareas soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done—Daniel Defoe
Daniel DefoeExamples of execution in a Sentence
He is in prison awaiting execution.
The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.
skillful execution of the dance steps
Recent Examples on the Web
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office argued Vallow Daybell orchestrated Vallow’s death to collect insurance and begin a new life, telling the jury that the killing was an execution.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
The problem was that Cleveland disrupted Miami’s execution, so the Heat couldn’t get the first action off cleanly.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The script execution often includes steps to evade detection and maintain persistence, such as clearing clipboard contents and running processes in minimized windows.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The retail investor isn't getting better execution or service, but the lawyers are getting paid.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for execution
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.
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
The problem was that Cleveland disrupted Miami’s execution, so the Heat couldn’t get the first action off cleanly.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
The script execution often includes steps to evade detection and maintain persistence, such as clearing clipboard contents and running processes in minimized windows.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The retail investor isn't getting better execution or service, but the lawyers are getting paid.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for execution
Cite this Entry
“Execution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execution. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish
put a plan into execution
2
: a putting to death as a legal penalty
3
: the way in which something is executed
Legal Definition
execution
noun
ex·e·cu·tion
ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən
1
: the act or process of executing
witnessed the execution of the will
2
: a putting to death as fulfillment of a judicial death sentence
3
: the process of enforcing a judgment (as against a debtor)
also
: a judicial writ (as fieri facias) by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect see also levy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share