plural proxies
1
: the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another
2
a
: authority or power to act for another
b
: a document giving such authority
specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock
3
: a person authorized to act for another : procurator
proxy adjective

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Proxies and Proxy Servers

Proxy comes from a contracted form of the Middle English word procuracie (meaning “procuration”). A proxy may refer to a person who is authorized to act for another or it may designate the function or authority of serving in another’s stead. In the latter sense, it generally is preceded by the word by (“vote by proxy”).

Proxy has recently taken on meanings in computing, where it is found in such phrases as proxy server, a computer system that facilitates the exchange of data between users on a network.

Examples of proxy in a Sentence

Since I wouldn't be available to vote, I nominated him to act as my proxy. sent a proxy to the meeting to cast his vote for him
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.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Putin's and Peskov's statements show Moscow has not abandoned its war aims, which include government change, a pro-Russian proxy government in Kyiv, and limitations on Ukraine's military. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 The church, through its Board of Pensions, plans to present the proposal at the company’s annual stockholder meeting later this summer, according to Albertsons’ annual proxy statement released June 20. Angela Palermo july 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2025 Besides McMullen, the proxy lists two other ex-Kroger executives: former chief financial officers Gary Millerchip (who left Kroger for the same position at Costco in early 2024) and Todd Foley (who served as interim chief of finance until retiring this spring). Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Hamas has been weakened The unraveling of Iran’s regional network of proxies, capped by the blow inflicted on Iran during the recent 12-day war with Israel, has left Hamas weaker and more isolated in the region. Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for proxy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proxi, procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio procuration

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proxy was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proxy. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

proxy

noun
plural proxies
1
: authority held by one person to act for another (as in voting)
2
a
: a person holding authority to act for another
b
: a written paper giving a person such authority
proxy adjective

Legal Definition

proxy

noun
plural proxies
1
: the act or practice of a person serving as an authorized agent or substitute for another
used especially in the phrase by proxy
2
a
: authority or power to act for another
b
: a statement or document giving such authorization
specifically : an oral consent or written document (as a power of attorney) given by a stockholder to a specified person or persons to vote corporate stock
3
a
: a person authorized to act or make decisions for another
appointed a health-care proxy
b
: something serving to replace or substitute for another thing
Etymology

Middle English procucie, contraction of procuracie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin procuratia, alteration of Latin procuratio appointment of another as one's agent

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