assistant

noun

as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce assistant (audio)
1
: a person who assists someone : helper
also : a person holding an assistantship
2
: a device or product that provides assistance
software assistants
personal digital assistant
see pda entry 1
assistant adjective

Examples of assistant in a Sentence

an assistant to the college president an assistant to the store manager a wealthy executive who has a personal assistant
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.
Its most passionate and informed teachers, current and former players say, usually aren’t assistant coaches in an NFL building but players. Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 An assistant, Tiago Splitter, was named interim head coach, the team said in a statement. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025 During a Thursday news conference, nursing assistant Josephine Rios, said the Medi-Cal funding cuts will threaten her grandson Elijah’s care. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Earnest is one of the three defendants who were charged in both indictments; another name common to both cases is Jones, a former Cavaliers assistant. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assistant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistent, borrowed from Anglo-French assistant, assistent, noun derivative of assistant, assistent, adjective, "assisting, helpful," from present participle of assister "to help, aid" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistance Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistant was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Assistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistant. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

assistant

noun
as·​sis·​tant ə-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce assistant (audio)
: a person who assists another : helper
assistant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on assistant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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