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

As their investigation continues, deputies noted that further details would not be released. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

In our inaugural Grand Tour, deputy editor Paige Reddinger visits with Jenna Grosfeld of Jenna Blake jewelry, who opens the doors to her Tudor Revival in Bel Air, a 1940 estate with a storied Hollywood pedigree. —John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2026

Adam Braun, who led fundraising at the start of this year with $242,000, served as deputy attorney general under Attorney General Kwame Raoul for five years until 2024 and now has Raoul’s endorsement. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

The recent episode involving Freidenrich’s top deputy, Dana Schultz, illustrates the point. —Jodi Balma, Oc Register, 15 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