assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce assistant (audio)
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
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
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 prosecution first brought forward former InterContinental Hotel assistant security director Israel Florez, now an LAPD officer. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 13 May 2025 To answer them, our own Adam Tyner teamed up with Matt Giani, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and his graduate assistant, Franchesca Lyra. Michael J. Petrilli, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Shouldn’t the teachers and assistants receive the same pay and benefits as those in traditional public schools? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025 During the second game of a doubleheader against the Royals at old Comiskey Park in 1977, peg-legged owner Bill Veeck left the press box when his assistant was jumped and entered the fray. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assistant

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

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

Cite this Entry

“Assistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistant. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

assistant

noun
as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce assistant (audio)
: a person who assists another : helper
assistant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on assistant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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