deputy

Valid in Scrabble

Scrabble points
12
Words With Friends
13
Letters
6
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛpjəti/
See all 6 pronunciations
/ˈdɛpjəti/ · [ˈdɛpjəɾi] · [ˈdɛpəti] · [ˈdɛpəɾi] · /ˈdepjəti/ · [ˈdepjəɾi]

Definition of deputy

8 senses · 2 parts of speech · etymology included

noun

  1. One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
    “the deputy of a prince”
    “The deputy sheriff was promoted after his senior retired.”
    “As the deputy store manager, he is able to fire staff.”
See all 8 definitions

noun

  1. One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
    “the deputy of a prince”
    “The deputy sheriff was promoted after his senior retired.”
    “As the deputy store manager, he is able to fire staff.”
  2. (historical)A person employed to install and remove props, brattices, etc. and to clear gas, for the safety of the miners.
  3. The name for a member of legislature in some countries.
    “The State Duma comprises 450 deputies.”
  4. The name for a member of legislature in some countries.
  5. (historical)The name for a member of legislature in some countries.
  6. (Ireland, capitalized, often)The name for a member of legislature in some countries.
    “Eamon Ryan is a deputy in the Dáil.”
    “At today's meeting, Deputy Ryan will speak on local issues.”
  7. (US)a law enforcement officer who works for the county sheriff's office; a deputy sheriff or sheriff's deputy; the entry level rank in such an agency.
    “The sheriff's deputies took the suspect into custody.”
    “Deputy Jones was promoted to corporal today.”

verb

  1. (informal, nonstandard)to deputise

Definitions from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.

Etymology

From French député, from Late Latin deputatus (“appointed”).

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