deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
deployed; deploying; deploys

transitive verb

1
a
: to extend (a military unit) especially in width
b
: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions
deploying troops to the region
2
: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose
deploy a sales force
deploy a parachute

intransitive verb

: to move, spread out, or function while being deployed
the troops deployed along the front
the parachute failed to deploy
deployable adjective

Examples of deploy in a Sentence

The troops were deployed for battle. They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months. Two scientists were deployed to study the problem. Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote. Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country. He deploys several arguments to prove his point. Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute. The boat's sails were not fully deployed. The parachute failed to deploy properly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This would have been the opportune moment to deploy medicines, like buprenorphine, to set users on a path to recovery. Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 With the defensive flexibility the current roster provides, Armas could deploy his standard 4-2-3-1 or get creative with three or five defenders at a time. Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025 Troops from Burundi and the Southern African Development Community are deployed in support of Congolese forces. Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025 The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, deployed the 21 Starlink satelites, 13 of which have direct-to-cell capability, into low Earth orbit about 65 minutes after launch as planned. Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deploy 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déployer "to unfurl, spread out, display, arrange for a purpose," going back to Old French despleier, desploier "to unfurl, set out to view" — more at display entry 1

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deploy was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near deploy

Cite this Entry

“Deploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deploy. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

deploy

verb
de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose
troops deployed for battle
deploy police to prevent a riot
deployment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deploy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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