deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

1

a

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

b

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge in the absence of a superior

—often used before another noun

the deputy director

2

: a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

Synonyms of deputy

• delegate
• representative
• agent
• attorney
• minister
• manager
• ambassador

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

Southern Israel's main hospital received at least 175 wounded from Arad and Dimona, deputy director Roy Kessous told The Associated Press. —Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026

As their investigation continued, deputies identified the suspect as 52-year-old Hemet man Garald Jones. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

The stock has fluctuated in recent months and is down 4% year to date amid mixed signals on earnings momentum, leaving investors closely watching for cues from Abel and his deputies at the upcoming shareholder meeting in early May. —Yun Li, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026

Hammed Animashaun was on standby as a sycophantic deputy PM, David Lammy. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026

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