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

Cal Fire law enforcement officials and Placer County sheriff’s deputies arrested the Roseville man on five counts of arson, according to a news release. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Minneapolis police officers and a number of Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies also arrived at the scene. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

Kent Nishimura | Reuters The FDA attendees at the Singapore conference ranged from deputy directors to a program coordinator, records show. —Paige Tortorelli,scott Zamost,melissa Lee, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

The group was then arrested Wednesday by Waukesha County Sheriff’s deputies along I-43 in Mukwonago. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 15 Dec. 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