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

Igoe did not answer questions about whether the deputies were still employed or whether they had been disciplined. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The deputy drew his service weapon and ordered the suspect to show his hands. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

This year’s San Seb is longtime festival director José Luis Rebordinos’s last in charge, as Maialen Beloki, the festival’s current deputy, will succeed him in January. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

As deputies were on the way, they were flagged down by a man who said he had been shot at, according to the sheriff’s office. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 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