deputy

noun

dep·​u·​ty ˈde-pyə-tē 

plural deputies

often attributive

1

a

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

b

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent

2

: a member of the lower house of some legislative assemblies

Synonyms

• agent
• assignee
• attorney
• commissary
• delegate
• envoy
• factor
• minister
• procurator
• proxy
• rep
• representative

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

Advertisement The Los Angeles Department of Public Works cited the responsible parties for placing the planters on the city street, Jonathan Davila, communications deputy for District 11 Councilmember Traci Park’s office, said Tuesday. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024

Later that day, deputies were again called to the woman’s home, the department said. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 4 June 2024

Talley was captured on video at around 1:40 a.m. hitting a woman in front of a law office near the intersection of Robinson Street and Magnolia Avenue, Orange County deputies said, according to Fox 35. —Landon Mion, Fox News, 2 June 2024

When the door opens, the deputy yells for Fortson to step back. —Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 31 May 2024

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