de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv 
1
: fitted for or used in detecting something
had perfected his detective sensibilities
2
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective novel
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective
Examples of detective in a Sentence
Adjective
We had to do some detective work to find out who used to own the property.
He enjoys reading detective novels.
Noun
She is a detective on the police force.
Detective Sgt. Lee is working on the case.
She hired a detective to follow her husband.
Recent Examples on the Web
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
What many online commentators had deemed a detective outfit is simply Pedro’s everyday look.
—Caroline Baum, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Play the role of a detective and complete riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers to solve the mystery by Christmas Eve.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Idris Elba is returning for a new Luther feature from Netflix that continues the gritty adventures of the detective hero created by Neil Cross and first aired as a BBC series.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
What many online commentators had deemed a detective outfit is simply Pedro’s everyday look.
—Caroline Baum, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
Belmont Area detectives are investigating.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Play the role of a detective and complete riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers to solve the mystery by Christmas Eve.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detective
1 of 2 adjective
de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective story
detective
2 of 2 noun
: a person whose business is solving crimes and catching criminals or gathering information that is not easy to get
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