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

Eisenberger is a former deputy aide for Collins who most recently worked for American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the barge, towboat and tugboat industry. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on social media Wednesday that deputies responded to reports of an explosion at the beach. — Sophie Ziedalski, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Times staff reporter Maddie Lee and deputy sports editor Ed Guzman contributed to this report. — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

And Sara Sozzani Maino, former deputy editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia and current head of Vogue Talents as well as creative director of Fondazione Sozzani in Milan, has joined Fashion Forward’s board of advisors as the lead advisor. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

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