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assistant

noun
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as·​sis·​tant | \ ə-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce assistant (audio) \

Definition of assistant

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 — see pda entry 1
Other Words from assistant Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about assistant

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Other Words from assistant

assistant adjective

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
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Recent Examples on the Web Auburn’s hire of Al Pogue as the new defensive assistant was right on coach Gus Malzahn’s schedule. — Giana Han, al, "Auburn hires Al Pogue as new defensive backs coach," 7 Feb. 2020 The clinchers, though, were the woodwinds, especially a haunting solo by assistant principal clarinetist Daniel McKelway. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland, "Cleveland Orchestra soars in Sibelius, Knussen with boost from gifted champions," 7 Feb. 2020 An assistant police chief for the Rosenberg Police Department told KHOU that the 18-wheeler flipped over on its side and spilled 75,000 pounds of pork. — Michelle Iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Traffic delay: 75,000 pounds of pork spilled on south I-69 near Rosenberg," 7 Feb. 2020 Trey Haverty couldn’t say for sure Wednesday what’s in his latest class for SMU, but the 38-year-old assistant knows who’s on his resume. — Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, "Discovering Patrick Mahomes: How one college recruiter noticed the Super Bowl MVP before many others gave him a chance," 6 Feb. 2020 Here’s how each of The Chronicle’s judges voted: • Tara Duggan, assistant food editor: Fort Point KSA, Henhouse IPA, Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale, 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon, Russian River Consecration. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "Results are in for The Chronicle’s Northern California Beer Hall of Fame class of 2020," 6 Feb. 2020 Senate Bill 2001 would give $1,000 across-the-board raises to most teachers and to all teachers’ assistants. — USA TODAY, "‘Bag Full of Drugs,’ kiwiberries, retiring bulldog: News from around our 50 states," 6 Feb. 2020 Both names came up as possible call-ups after Yzerman and Blashill conferred with Griffins coach Ben Simon, assistant general manager Ryan Martin, and Niklas Kronwall, advisor to the general manager. — Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, "Why the Detroit Red Wings are calling up young defenseman Gustav Lindstrom," 6 Feb. 2020 Subscribe here Elissa Sanci Elissa Sanci is an Associate Staff Writer at the product review site Wirecutter.com and a former editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. — Elissa Sanci, Marie Claire, "Dating When You're $120,000 In Debt," 6 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assistant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of assistant

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for assistant

see assist entry 1

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Time Traveler for assistant

Time Traveler

The first known use of assistant was in the 15th century

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Statistics for assistant

Last Updated

10 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Assistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistant. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for assistant

assistant

noun
How to pronounce assistant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of assistant

: a person who helps someone especially : a person whose job is to help another person to do work
: a person whose job is to help the customers in a store

See the full definition for assistant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

assistant

adjective
as·​sis·​tant | \ ə-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce assistant (audio) \

Kids Definition of assistant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: acting as a helper to another an assistant manager

assistant

noun

Kids Definition of assistant (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person who assists another

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More from Merriam-Webster on assistant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for assistant

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with assistant

Spanish Central: Translation of assistant

Nglish: Translation of assistant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assistant for Arabic Speakers

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