deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ə-tē  ˈdā- 

plural deities

1

a

: the rank or essential nature of a god : divinity

b

capitalized : god sense 1, supreme being

2

: a god (see god entry 1 sense 2) or goddess

the deities of ancient Greece

3

: one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful

such established American deities as Daniel Boone, Kit Carson

—J. D. Hart

the deities of the banking world

Synonyms

• divinity
• god

Examples of deity in a Sentence

to the ancient Greeks, Zeus was the deity who ruled over the sky and weather, and Poseidon was god of the sea

we prayed to the Deity for guidance

Recent Examples on the Web

Believers melded African deities like Babalú-Ayé, who both spread and healed sickness, with Catholic saints like Lazarus, who granted wishes for good health. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

Thought to have been founded during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus in the 3rd century B.C., the temple was dedicated to Osiris—a deity in the ancient Egyptian pantheon associated with the afterlife, death and rebirth. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

In another sign of differing views here, McIntosh charged that a new public artwork depicted the horned demonic deity Baphomet. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

Cultures historically found in the neighborhood are represented by artwork lining a gravel walking trail, depicting stories of water deities and spirits, like Atabey the fresh water goddess of the Taíno people, native inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, as well as Chaac, the Mayan god of rain. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deitee, from Anglo-French deité, from Late Latin deitat-, deitas, from Latin deus god; akin to Old English Tīw, god of war, Latin divus god, dies day, Greek dios heavenly, Sanskrit deva heavenly, god

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ət-ē 

plural deities

1

a

: divinity sense 2

b

capitalized : god sense 1

the Deity

2

a

: god sense 2

b

: goddess sense 1

Etymology

Middle English deitee "the nature of being divine," from early French deité (same meaning), derived from Latin deus "god" — related to adieu, adios