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
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
The deputy then spoke with the boy, who said the water bottle Schuman threw hit him on the side of his stomach and knocked his phone down.
—
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Larimer County deputies, rangers and Poudre Fire Authority were also dispatched to the scene.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 13 May 2026
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Chris Monahan, head of the Captains Endowment Association, the union that also represents deputy chiefs, said Taylor did not properly document all his work hours, as required.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputy
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Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Larimer County deputies, rangers and Poudre Fire Authority were also dispatched to the scene.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 13 May 2026
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Chris Monahan, head of the Captains Endowment Association, the union that also represents deputy chiefs, said Taylor did not properly document all his work hours, as required.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputy
Cite this Entry
“Deputy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputy. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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