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

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a family disturbance call at a house in the 7500 block of Versailles Way in Sacramento County early Friday morning, sheriff’s officials said on social media. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024

Later that day, a Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputy recognized him in the Charger, wearing the same clothing all four victims described, and arrested him, according to court records. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024

Murray County Sheriff’s deputies arrested D’Antonio on Nov. 22, 1991 – two years and eight months after Kevin Hughes was murdered on Music Row with a .38 caliber handgun. —Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Five dogs, including a brindle Chihuahua mix found dead in a shower stall, were infected with parvovirus when deputies found them. —Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 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