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deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē How to pronounce deputy (audio)
plural deputies
Synonyms of deputynext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shane, who can allegedly be seen running barefoot in his hospital gown in a photo released by the RCSO, was then involved in an accident, according to deputies. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 Another defendant, Roberto Salazar, was wanted in connection to the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy. CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025 Video showed medics working on at least one child on the street outside the venue as deputies cordoned off the area. Kathleen Quinn, Sacbee.com, 1 Dec. 2025 The son of Palestinian immigrants, Asfura served as mayor of the capital Tegucigalpa from 2014 to 2022 and was a National Congress deputy. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deputy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of deputy was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deputy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputy. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

deputy

noun
dep·​u·​ty ˈdep-yət-ē How to pronounce deputy (audio)
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 How to pronounce deputy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on deputy

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