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

Aside from the group’s chief and his deputy, only three others—including Chalker—were trained for field operations. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Senat was taken into custody by deputies shortly after, then taken to a hospital. —David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026

In Saratoga, Page said, sheriff’s deputies typically handle patrols and traffic enforcement. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026

The firing of the deputy mayor signals to us a dereliction of duty. —Michael Pfleger, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 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