deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

1

a

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

b

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge in the absence of a superior

—often used before another noun

the deputy director

2

: a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

Synonyms of deputy

• delegate
• representative
• agent
• attorney
• minister
• manager
• ambassador

Examples of deputy in a Sentence

the club president sent a deputy to the conference to vote on our behalf

a deputy supervisor to help out with routine tasks

Recent Examples on the Web

Stacy Smith, deputy commissioner of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, said the discussion warranted another work session in which the board members could ask more deliberate questions while still allowing the public comment period to take place. —Arkansas Online, 17 Nov. 2025

About $70,000 worth of gold has been recovered, according to deputies. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Three Osage County Sheriff's Department deputies and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper were shot in the confrontation that unfolded near Carbondale, about 16 miles south of Topeka, authorities said. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 16 Nov. 2025

On Sunday, the KBI revealed that two of the deputies had undergone surgery overnight and were listed in good condition, while the third deputy was discharged from the hospital, according to ABC News. —MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deputé, past participle of deputer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈdep-yət-ē 

plural deputies

1

: a person appointed to act for or in place of another

2

: an assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

deputy adjective

Legal Definition

deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

1

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

2

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

specifically : deputy sheriff

Etymology

Middle French deputé person appointed to exercise authority, from past participle of deputer to appoint, depute