investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce investigator (audio)
plural investigators
: one who investigates something: such as
a
: detective
a private investigator
Debra Winger plays the investigator who becomes fixated on identifying a killer …Margaret Rauch
b
: a person who conducts experiments or is involved in scientific studies for research
the lead investigator in a clinical trial
For dialect recording, it is best for the investigator to take down as full and accurate notes as possible without slowing down the pace of the interview.Ravin I. McDavid, Jr.

Examples of investigator in a Sentence

investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
Recent Examples on the Web Day after day, investigators pulled at the Jungle veil. Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 19 May 2024 In an interview with investigators, Civetti wrote, Peters recounted telling Feuer in fall 2017 about the legal assistant’s threats and demands. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for investigator 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'investigator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of investigator was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near investigator

Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigator. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on investigator

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