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
Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
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
Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
Witnesses told detectives that Reedus and McKissic had been arguing inside the house.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Inherent Vice is the sunniest and most deceptively innocent of his three detective books.
—Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
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
Noun
Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department are on scene and investigating after two people were found dead at an address associated with Hollywood director Rob Reiner, a law enforcement source tells CNN.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025
Witnesses told detectives that Reedus and McKissic had been arguing inside the house.
—Kansas City Star, 15 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 18 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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