deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi 

deployed; deploying; deploys

transitive verb

1

a

: to extend (a military unit) especially in width

b

: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions

deploying troops to the region

2

: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose

deploy a sales force

deploy a parachute

intransitive verb

: to move, spread out, or function while being deployed

The troops deployed along the front.

The parachute failed to deploy.

deployable

di-ˈplȯi-ə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of deploy in a Sentence

The troops were deployed for battle.

They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months.

Two scientists were deployed to study the problem.

Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote.

Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country.

He deploys several arguments to prove his point.

Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute.

The boat's sails were not fully deployed.

The parachute failed to deploy properly.

Recent Examples on the Web

That was helped by Lauder deploying more of its brands — especially in fragrance — and investing significantly in major retail activations there. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

This week, SpaceX moved one step closer to its goal of building its direct-to-device Starlink Mobile service after the FCC approved the aerospace company’s application to deploy and operate 15,000 next-generation Starlink satellites. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Detainees described at least one other incident in which pepper spray was deployed against them by officers, after asking officers to not remove a jug of clean water. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Around the country, other cities are deploying coordinated responses to mental health emergencies with collaboration and transparency. — Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déployer "to unfurl, spread out, display, arrange for a purpose," going back to Old French despleier, desploier "to unfurl, set out to view" — more at display entry 1

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for deploy

• ahoy
• alloy
• annoy
• carboy
• convoy
• cowboy
• decoy
• destroy
• employ
• employe
• enjoy
• kilroy

Kids Definition

deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi 

: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose

troops deployed for battle

deploy police to prevent a riot

deployment

-mənt 

noun