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

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her deputy Matteo Salvini have criticized the decision to remove the kids from their parents. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

In May 2023, for example, Alameda County’s lawyers sought a new trial for two sheriff’s deputies who were found to have illegally detained Aasylei Loggervale and her two daughters, who had fallen asleep in their car in Castro Valley in 2019. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2025

The move reflects long-term confidence in North America, according to Bulgari deputy chief executive officer Laura Burdese. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her deputy Matteo Salvini have both criticized the court decision. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 Nov. 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