assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsi-stənt 

1

: a person who assists someone : helper

also : a person holding an assistantship

2

: a device or product that provides assistance

software assistants

personal digital assistant

see pda entry 1

assistant adjective

Synonyms

• adjunct
• adjutant
• aid
• aide
• apprentice
• coadjutor
• deputy
• helper
• helpmate
• helpmeet
• lieutenant
• mate
• sidekick

Examples of assistant in a Sentence

an assistant to the college president

an assistant to the store manager

a wealthy executive who has a personal assistant

Recent Examples on the Web

Payton once counted Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer among his assistants with the New Orleans Saints. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025

Gridlock in Midtown On Dec. 27, Parker, 46, who works as an executive assistant for the CEO of a real estate investment firm, finished work near 6th Ave. and 49th St. and was walking to Grand Central to catch her usual train home to Orange County. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

At one point, the blaze encroached upon the homes of Close and assistant Tony Newnan, who live near the edge of the fire zone. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025

The veteran assistant has played a huge role in the Kansas City Chiefs winning back-to-back titles and going for a three-peat. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistent, borrowed from Anglo-French assistant, assistent, noun derivative of assistant, assistent, adjective, "assisting, helpful," from present participle of assister "to help, aid" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistance Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assistant

• assistant professor
• personal digital assistant
• physician assistant
• physician's assistant
• sales assistant
• teaching assistant

Kids Definition

assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsis-tənt 

: a person who assists another : helper

assistant adjective