deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ə-tē How to pronounce deity (audio) ˈdā- How to pronounce deity (audio)
plural deities
Synonyms of deitynext
1
a
: the rank or essential nature of a god or goddess : divinity
b
Deity : 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 of deity

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The figure holds what may be a quince in its right hand, possibly an offering to a deity. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The asteroid, which takes its name from the Egyptian deity of chaos, will be seen and heard, but the only impacts will be on science and planetary defense. — Andrew Jones, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 The family-friendly mythological comedy centers on eight ordinary mortals who must combine their wit and courage to outsmart formidable deities, earning the legendary status of the Eight Immortals. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026 Linn said there's anything from dogs associated with deities like Hecate, to dogs found in Mycenaean tombs. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deity

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of deity was in the 14th century

Rhymes for deity

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Browse Nearby Words

deith
deity
deixis
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Cite this Entry

“Deity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deity. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deity

noun
de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ət-ē How to pronounce deity (audio)
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

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