detective

1 of 2

adjective

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

detectivelike

di-ˈtek-tiv-ˌlīk 

adjective

detective

2 of 2

noun

: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible

Synonyms

Noun

• dick
• gumshoe
• hawkshaw
• investigator
• operative
• private detective
• private eye
• private investigator
• shamus [slang]
• sherlock
• sleuth
• sleuthhound

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

Adjective

The killer left both his blood and bodily fluid on Stitt, but the case went cold despite years of detective work. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 15 May 2025

With its combination of detective work and protective responsibility, compliance attracts individuals with strong moral compasses and meticulous attention to detail. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Noun

Sacramento County sheriff’s detectives are searching for a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a man Sunday night outside a pub in Fair Oaks. —Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025

The woman showed detectives her call history and a text thread with Stumph, confirming her statement, court records said. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1849, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detective

• house detective
• private detective

Rhymes for detective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

Kids 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

Legal Definition

detective

noun

de·​tec·​tive

: a person engaged or employed in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible

a police detective

hired a private detective