deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ə-tē  ˈdā- 

plural deities

1

a

: the rank or essential nature of a god : divinity

b

capitalized : god sense 1, supreme being

2

: a god (see god entry 1 sense 2) or goddess

the deities of ancient Greece

3

: one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful

such established American deities as Daniel Boone, Kit Carson

—J. D. Hart

the deities of the banking world

Synonyms

• divinity
• god

Examples of deity in a Sentence

to the ancient Greeks, Zeus was the deity who ruled over the sky and weather, and Poseidon was god of the sea

we prayed to the Deity for guidance

Recent Examples on the Web

Cultures historically found in the neighborhood are represented by artwork lining a gravel walking trail, depicting stories of water deities and spirits, like Atabey the fresh water goddess of the Taíno people, native inhabitants of the Caribbean islands, as well as Chaac, the Mayan god of rain. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

The star, who voices the braggadocious Polynesian deity Maui in both Moana and Moana 2, has revealed the true nature of his hulking physique in the upcoming live-action version of the princess story. —EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024

The exhibition includes sculpture, drawings and prints, as well as a series of her signature neons that light up the façade of the historic house depicting animals, ice creams, Hindu deities and mythological creatures. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

This concentration favored their efforts to preserve their languages, deities, foodways, artistic practices, music, dance, and festivities. —Ana Lucia Araujo / Made By History, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deitee, from Anglo-French deité, from Late Latin deitat-, deitas, from Latin deus god; akin to Old English Tīw, god of war, Latin divus god, dies day, Greek dios heavenly, Sanskrit deva heavenly, god

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

deity

noun

de·​i·​ty ˈdē-ət-ē 

plural deities

1

a

: divinity sense 2

b

capitalized : god sense 1

the Deity

2

a

: god sense 2

b

: goddess sense 1

Etymology

Middle English deitee "the nature of being divine," from early French deité (same meaning), derived from Latin deus "god" — related to adieu, adios