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
Jorrel Hato has blossomed in the last few months and is establishing himself as a capable deputy to Marc Cucurella at left-back, with the versatility to help as a left-sided centre-back.
—
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Donald Whitaker, 80, and his 79-year-old wife, Karen Whitaker, were discovered by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies around noon Friday in their home.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
According to deputies, the suspect struggled briefly with deputies before a nearby civilian helped officers take him into custody.
—Reeti Malhotra
updated May 20, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
The deputy secretary of state’s comments about a domestic political dispute are notable, as Washington has traditionally voiced its public neutrality in domestic political matters in Latin America.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputy
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Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Donald Whitaker, 80, and his 79-year-old wife, Karen Whitaker, were discovered by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies around noon Friday in their home.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
According to deputies, the suspect struggled briefly with deputies before a nearby civilian helped officers take him into custody.
—Reeti Malhotra
updated May 20, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
The deputy secretary of state’s comments about a domestic political dispute are notable, as Washington has traditionally voiced its public neutrality in domestic political matters in Latin America.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 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 22 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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