deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

often attributive

1

a

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

b

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

2

: a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

Synonyms

• agent
• assignee
• attorney
• commissary
• delegate
• envoy
• factor
• minister
• procurator
• proxy
• rep
• representative

Examples of deputy in a Sentence

the club president sent a deputy to the conference to vote on our behalf

a deputy supervisor to help out with routine tasks

Recent Examples on the Web

When deputies arrived, foam was coming out of his grandson’s mouth. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024

Now that deputies have seen Remi and other dogs can do this, the technique will be implemented in future K-9 training. —Kaila Nichols, CNN, 22 July 2024

The number of total victims rescued by sheriff’s deputies is still being calculated, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 19 July 2024

Sonya Massey puts hands up, apologizes to deputy before shooting Grayson was one of two Sangamon County deputies who responded to Massey’s house around 12:50 a.m., according to a news release from the sheriff's office. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deputé, past participle of deputer

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈdep-yət-ē 

plural deputies

1

: a person appointed to act for or in place of another

2

: an assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

deputy adjective

Legal Definition

deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

1

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

2

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

specifically : deputy sheriff

Etymology

Middle French deputé person appointed to exercise authority, from past participle of deputer to appoint, depute