deputy
Americannoun
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a person appointed or authorized to act as a substitute for another or others.
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a person appointed or elected as assistant to a public official, serving as successor in the event of a vacancy.
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a person representing a constituency in certain legislative bodies.
adjective
noun
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a person appointed to act on behalf of or represent another
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( as modifier )
the deputy chairman
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a member of the legislative assembly or of the lower chamber of the legislature in various countries, such as France
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mining another word for fireman
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deputy
1375–1425; late Middle English depute < Old French, noun use of past participle of deputer to depute
Explanation
A deputy is a sheriff's assistant, the person who fills in when the sheriff isn't available. When a deputy is in charge, she has the same powers and authority as the sheriff. You can use the noun deputy for anyone who is singled out to step in for another person. A deputy leader of a government fills in when the president or prime minister is ill, and a magazine's deputy editor is qualified to edit an issue when the editor isn't available. The Middle French root is députer, "appoint or assign," from the Late Latin deputare.
Vocabulary lists containing deputy
Iroquois Constitution
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"Yummy" by G. Neri
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Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Canada’s large banks have become more resilient over the past year, with higher profitability and healthy capital buffers,” said Toni Gravelle, a deputy governor at the Bank of Canada.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
But more government housing is needed, especially in the central areas, said Sze Lai-shan, the group's deputy director.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
In the runoff for the Democratic nomination in the 35th House district, which stretches southeast from the outskirts of San Antonio, sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia defeated sex-therapist Maureen Galindo.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
After the deputy activated the lights on his car and initiated the traffic stop, Chrisley allegedly passed “multiple suitable stopping locations” before finally pulling over at a Chevron station, the report said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
He slapped Darryl on the arm, and the deputy gave Toby one last nod before he walked away, joining his partner, who was talking to Lily.
From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
