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
Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
About 200 people work in the building, which houses the sheriff, undersheriff, detective bureau and crime lab, among other employees, said Stephen Huber, the sheriff's public information officer.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
Gallegos declined to speak with detectives.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
His Classic Literature Club series was adapted as Hyouka, which saw a book club embark on low-stakes detective work.
—Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
About 200 people work in the building, which houses the sheriff, undersheriff, detective bureau and crime lab, among other employees, said Stephen Huber, the sheriff's public information officer.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Noun
Homicide detectives responded to the scene the same day the remains were found, according to the Express-News and KENS.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
Gallegos declined to speak with detectives.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 8 Dec. 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 10 Dec. 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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