deputy

noun

dep·u·ty ˈde-pyə-tē

plural deputies

Synonyms of deputy

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

: a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge in the absence of a superior

—often used before another noun

the deputy director

: 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

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.

Last month, a 23-year-old man was shot by a PBSO deputy near Delray Beach, also during a wellness check, after the man allegedly pointed an air rifle at deputies. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 Jennifer was fired from her job as deputy commissioner for public safety for the Mount Vernon Police Department within hours of her arrest. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 The victim told deputies that Fountain sent her threatening text messages. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister released the July 29 bodycam footage showing deputies stopping a vehicle in Tampa because its taillights and tag lights were not working. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deputy

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of deputy was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

deputize

deputy

deputy chief

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deputy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deputy. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deputy

noun

dep·u·ty ˈdep-yət-ē

plural deputies

: a person appointed to act for or in place of another

: 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

: a person appointed as a substitute with power to act

: 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

deputy

noun

Synonyms of deputy

Examples of deputy in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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