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

The Afghan government's deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, on Saturday accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas in the provinces of Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar, as well as refugee camps in Torkham and Kandahar. —Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026

Before stepping into the role, Lynch-Reyes was the top deputy to Isabel DiMola, the local superintendent for 16 years until DiMola was promoted last summer to former Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos’ second-in-command. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026

Sunday morning by a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy and two Secret Service agents, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 Mar. 2026

During a meeting with community members that year, Balaji Vaidyanathan, ADEQ’s deputy director of its air quality division, admitted that the agency messed up. —Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 1 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