noun
deputy
DEHP-yuh-tee
noun
1
A person who is second-in-command and acts on behalf of a senior officeholder.
"The deputy took charge while the headteacher was on leave."
"She was promoted to deputy manager after two years."
2
A law enforcement officer who works under a county sheriff, especially in the US.
"The sheriff sent two deputies to investigate the report."
3
A member of a legislative body in certain countries, such as France.
"The deputy addressed the National Assembly on the new bill."
How to Use Deputy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who stands in for, or ranks just below, a person in charge.
Common pairings
deputy head
deputy sheriff
acting deputy
Word Forms
deputied past tense, deputies plural, deputies singular
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The _____ took charge while the headteacher was on leave.
Etymology
From French depute, from Late Latin deputatus, "appointed."