deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
deployed; deploying; deploys

transitive verb

1
a
: to extend (a military unit) especially in width
b
: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions
deploying troops to the region
2
: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose
deploy a sales force
deploy a parachute

intransitive verb

: to move, spread out, or function while being deployed
the troops deployed along the front
the parachute failed to deploy
deployable adjective

Examples of deploy in a Sentence

The troops were deployed for battle. They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months. Two scientists were deployed to study the problem. Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote. Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country. He deploys several arguments to prove his point. Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute. The boat's sails were not fully deployed. The parachute failed to deploy properly.
Recent Examples on the Web The media has deployed every euphemism imaginable to describe the former president’s public usage of bad words like ****, **** and ****. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 The answers to these questions will impact how companies can deploy and benefit from AI technologies. Mark Drapeau, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Permira’s consumer team has deployed more than 15 billion euros to collaborate with more than 40 companies globally, investing in the likes of Golden Goose, Reformation, Gruppo Florence, Hugo Boss, Valentino, Dr. Martens and BestSecret. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024 Efforts to Erode European Solidarity Soft diplomacy has also been a frequent tool deployed by Putin to forge new covert inroads with Western proxies. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deploy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deploy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déployer "to unfurl, spread out, display, arrange for a purpose," going back to Old French despleier, desploier "to unfurl, set out to view" — more at display entry 1

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deploy was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near deploy

Cite this Entry

“Deploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deploy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deploy

verb
de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose
troops deployed for battle
deploy police to prevent a riot
deployment noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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