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
Edward Randolph is an expert on the workings of the CPUC, having served as deputy executive director of the commission’s Energy Division from 2011 to 2021.
—
Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Fiore, 22, the deputy chief of staff for the College Democrats of Connecticut, watched Elliott’s endorsement.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Paxton faces whistleblower allegations and impeachment trial In November 2020, the Associated Press reported that the FBI was investigating Paxton after top deputies accused the attorney general of abusing his office and engaging in bribery to benefit Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Smith says his deputies also used BI2's smartphone app in the field to identify people.
—Meg Anderson, NPR, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deputy
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Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Fiore, 22, the deputy chief of staff for the College Democrats of Connecticut, watched Elliott’s endorsement.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Paxton faces whistleblower allegations and impeachment trial In November 2020, the Associated Press reported that the FBI was investigating Paxton after top deputies accused the attorney general of abusing his office and engaging in bribery to benefit Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Smith says his deputies also used BI2's smartphone app in the field to identify people.
—Meg Anderson, NPR, 27 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 29 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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