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

• 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 woman, Scarlett Andrews, began leading the city’s Department of Metropolitan Development in 2020, then served as deputy mayor for economic development until the end of 2023. —IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025

Talbott is the son of Strobe Talbott, who served as deputy secretary of state under President Bill Clinton after holding senior roles focused on the former Soviet republics. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025

What To Know Lolito Tacardon, deputy executive director for the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), said the country’s growing workforce presents both an opportunity and a risk. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Archuleta County deputies spent Monday doing community outreach, warning residents of the rising river and the potential for more flooding. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025

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