assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsi-stənt 

1

: a person who assists someone : helper

also : a person holding an assistantship

2

: a device or product that provides assistance

software assistants

personal digital assistant

assistant adjective

Synonyms of assistant

• aide
• apprentice
• deputy
• aid
• adjutant
• sidekick

Examples of assistant in a Sentence

an assistant to the college president

an assistant to the store manager

a wealthy executive who has a personal assistant

Recent Examples on the Web

Hathaway, Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt—who starred as the aforementioned assistant Emily Charlton in the original DWP—are returning for the sequel, which premieres on May 1. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026

In relation to this, Close referenced a mantra assistant coach Tasha Brown constantly preaches. —Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026

For their resilience, much respect goes to the players, coach Brian Dutcher and his assistants. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

Junior assistant captain Sammy Ryan rewarded the defensive showing in the second period with a scrappy goal. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistent, borrowed from Anglo-French assistant, assistent, noun derivative of assistant, assistent, adjective, "assisting, helpful," from present participle of assister "to help, aid" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistance Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assistant

• assistant professor
• personal digital assistant
• physician assistant
• physician's assistant
• sales assistant
• teaching assistant

Rhymes for assistant

• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsis-tənt 

: a person who assists another : helper

assistant adjective