deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

often attributive

1

a

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

b

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

2

: a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

Synonyms

• 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

Burnett’s wife previously worked for CHA as deputy chief of fleet and facilities in the general services department and violated the housing authority’s ethics policy in 2022, according to documents obtained through a Tribune public records request. —Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

Ridgell said both deputies are in stable condition. —Enquirer Staff, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025

Arrieta, one of the organizers of CPAC's Latin American chapter, is employed by Scatturice, who has close ties with Argentina's intelligence agencies and Santiago Caputo, the controversial political aide to President Milei who runs Cúneo Libarona's Ministry through his deputy, Sebastián Amerio. —Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The dispute began over demands from Kennedy and his principal deputy chief of staff for Monarez to support changes to COVID vaccine policy and the firing of high-level staff, a source familiar with the conversations told ABC News. —Will Steakin, ABC News, 28 Aug. 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