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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files puts you in the shoes of detective Date, who sets out to rescue internet idol Iris.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Prosecutors also said detectives recovered video footage that suggests there may be dozens, if not hundreds, of women who were victimized.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
The premise combines supernatural elements with detective storytelling.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files puts you in the shoes of detective Date, who sets out to rescue internet idol Iris.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
With the Farris Wheel starting to turn, detectives asked Scott if his father was having an affair.
—Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Prosecutors also said detectives recovered video footage that suggests there may be dozens, if not hundreds, of women who were victimized.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 24 Apr. 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 5 May. 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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