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
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
The five-episode series will star Jakob Oftebro and Peter Andersson as lead investigator Thomas and ex-detective Alfred, Thomas’ estranged father, respectively.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
When a young woman is brutally murdered in a remote town, a determined female detective is thrust into the case.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
The unscripted show will feature a group of contestants who undergo physical and mental challenges, collecting clues before they are launched into a real-life game of detective work and deception.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
The five-episode series will star Jakob Oftebro and Peter Andersson as lead investigator Thomas and ex-detective Alfred, Thomas’ estranged father, respectively.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
Ever the nosy detective, Ashley takes it upon herself to search Virginia’s court records to find a record of Stacey’s divorce, and comes up empty, a claim that Stacey doesn’t refute.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
When a young woman is brutally murdered in a remote town, a determined female detective is thrust into the case.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 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 10 Oct. 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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