deputy

[ dep-yuh-tee ]

noun

, plural dep·u·ties.

1. a person appointed or authorized to act as a substitute for another or others.

   Synonyms: proxy, emissary, envoy, surrogate, representative, agent

2. deputy sheriff.
3. a person appointed or elected as assistant to a public official, serving as successor in the event of a vacancy.
4. a person representing a constituency in certain legislative bodies.

adjective

1. appointed, elected, or serving as an assistant or second-in-command.

deputy

/ ˈdɛpjʊtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a person appointed to act on behalf of or represent another
   2. ( as modifier )

      the deputy chairman

2. a member of the legislative assembly or of the lower chamber of the legislature in various countries, such as France
3. mining another word for fireman

Other Words From

• depu·ty·ship noun
• sub·depu·ty noun plural subdeputies

Word History and Origins

Origin of deputy¹

1375–1425; late Middle English depute < Old French, noun use of past participle of deputer to depute

Word History and Origins

Origin of deputy¹

C16: from Old French depute, from deputer to appoint; see depute

Example Sentences

Jess Sargeant, who had worked for think tank Labour Together, became the deputy director in the Cabinet Office's Propriety and Constitution Group.

From BBC

The deputy prime minister said she would ensure a meeting with Riberio-Addy to discuss the issue.

From BBC

The Sinn Féin deputy leader added that his "strength and courage in the face of illness served as an inspiration to many, as he became a powerful advocate for raising awareness of cancer".

From BBC

He has served at all levels of office, as an MP, deputy minister, minister, vice-president and president.

From BBC

County sheriff’s deputy will avoid jail time in the 2021 shooting death of a suicidal man under the terms of a plea deal reached with prosecutors Tuesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aide
• appointee
• commissioner
• delegate
• minister
• representative