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

Sheriff’s deputies interviewed Colt and Colin Gray in May 2023 about an online threat linked to the son. — ABC News, 24 July 2026

Less than two weeks after Johnson County Sheriff Adam King’s trial on a witness retaliation charge ended in a hung jury, King’s former chief deputy has filed a petition to remove him from office. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Blumenfield’s staff unearthed the 1936 law while researching public rights of way, said Kristine Cajulis, a communications deputy for the council member. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

That officer, the district police department’s former chief deputy, said that administration didn’t report two teachers who allegedly sent explicit photos to students to the state department of education as required. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 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