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
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
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
And then there were detective interviews with the community.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2025
The film also delves into the plight of Oscar Slater, another victim of judicial injustice, as Doyle applies his investigative prowess to real-world cases that mirror his fictional detective’s adventures.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Still, his detective instincts are ultimately reawakened, and his new department becomes a magnet for a crew of misfits and mavericks.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
And then there were detective interviews with the community.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
Maybe archaeologists and detectives are not so different.
—JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2025
The film also delves into the plight of Oscar Slater, another victim of judicial injustice, as Doyle applies his investigative prowess to real-world cases that mirror his fictional detective’s adventures.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 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 3 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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