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deputy sheriff

American  

noun

  1. a peace officer subordinate to a sheriff.


Etymology

Origin of deputy sheriff

First recorded in 1665–75

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.

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Among others patrolling the pool was a deputy sheriff from Sarpy County, Neb., who said he was among the law-enforcement volunteers in the nation’s capital for celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

In 2014, graduated from a police academy in New York and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff for the Department of Public Safety.

From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2026

“It’s perfectly legal,” said Edward Obayashi, a Northern California deputy sheriff, special prosecutor and use-of-force expert.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2025

A dozen years ago, John Mark Dougan, a former deputy sheriff in Palm Beach County, Fla., sent voters an email posing as a county commissioner, urging them to oppose the re-election of the county’s sheriff.

From New York Times ● May 29, 2024

Horace Quinn was the new deputy sheriff appointed to look after things around the King City district.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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