deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ə-tē  ˈdā- 

plural deities

1

a

: the rank or essential nature of a god : divinity

b

capitalized : god sense 1, supreme being

2

: a god (see god entry 1 sense 2) or goddess

the deities of ancient Greece

3

: one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful

such established American deities as Daniel Boone, Kit Carson

—J. D. Hart

the deities of the banking world

Synonyms

• god

Examples of deity in a Sentence

to the ancient Greeks, Zeus was the deity who ruled over the sky and weather, and Poseidon was god of the sea

we prayed to the Deity for guidance

Recent Examples on the Web

When your character uses magic, interacts with powerful deities, or even achieves godlike status themselves, the player also shares such experiences on some level as well. —Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 12 June 2025

In 2006, the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade was a local deity, and the celebrity spotlight of the LeBron James years may never be surpassed. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025

Castor and Pollux were named for twin deities in Greek mythology, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, and represent the two brightest stars in the zodiacal constellation Gemini. Pollux, named for the son of Zeus, is a redgiant star with a brightness similar to Mars. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025

With Game 1 set to tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday (June 5), fans don’t have much time to ride Jay’s seven-figure bet on Fanatics or their sportsbook of choice this postseason, but plenty of fans were hyped to see the Brooklyn rap deity get in on the gambling action. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deitee, from Anglo-French deité, from Late Latin deitat-, deitas, from Latin deus god; akin to Old English Tīw, god of war, Latin divus god, dies day, Greek dios heavenly, Sanskrit deva heavenly, god

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for deity

• contemporaneity
• heterogeneity
• inhomogeneity
• homogeneity
• simultaneity
• spontaneity

Kids Definition

deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ət-ē 

plural deities

1

a

: divinity sense 2

b

capitalized : god sense 1

the Deity

2

a

: god sense 2

b

: goddess sense 1

Etymology

Middle English deitee "the nature of being divine," from early French deité (same meaning), derived from Latin deus "god" — related to adieu, adios