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

Circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation, but deputies said that the women were struck by a car while outside of a crosswalk at the intersection. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 3 June 2026

But a comment made by deputy commissioner Bill Daly during the annual State of the NHL news conference with commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday helps illustrate why the issue remains anything but easy for many with a stake in tournaments such as the 2028 World Cup. —Chris Johnston, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and the poor conditions of the Men’s Central Jail. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 3 June 2026

Coral Gables is the second city in Miami-Dade to create restrictions for the robots, just after Miami Beach, according to Stephanie Throckmorton, the Gables’ deputy city attorney. —Michelle Marchante june 3, Miami Herald, 3 June 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