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

One deputy was caught directly under branches and the tree's trunk, but was spared in part by the SUV obstructing the fall. — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026

The deputy director urged schools, businesses, government offices and residential buildings to review evacuation procedures and identify safe gathering areas. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

But his top four deputies also sold their shares in the sale, netting more than $500 million between them. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

When deputies got to the home on West 4th North Street, what sounded like a gunshot rang out from the residence. — Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 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