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.
As reported in a 2021 Rolling Stone exposé, more than a dozen women came forward with allegations of abuse against Manson, real name Brian Warner, including Evan Rachel Wood, actress Esmé Bianco, model Ashley Morgan, and Warner’s former personal assistant, Ashley Walters. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025 Although the Magic continue to make a push to hire Mavericks assistant God Shammgod away from Dallas, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Mosley wouldn’t reveal his cards Friday. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025 My parents, players, assistant coaches, family and friends. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 Former Arsenal, Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole, Carsley’s assistant, made similar shouts and was hands-on throughout. Art De Roché, New York Times, 28 June 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 9 Jul. 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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