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
Synonyms
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
Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
According to an arrest citation, Scheffler ignored directions from detective Gillis while trying to bypass a traffic jam caused by an earlier fatal collision on Shelbyville Road outside Valhalla Golf Club.
—Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 29 May 2024
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024
On June 5, detectives obtained a search warrant and found a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden beneath soil in a flower pot in the backyard, Gonzalez stated.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective 
Adjective
Joann Fletcher, an Egyptologist and professor in the department of archaeology at the UK’s University of York, called it a fascinating piece of detective work that demonstrates how the story of Egypt’s ancient past is still unfolding with new discoveries and interpretation.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 10 June 2024
According to an arrest citation, Scheffler ignored directions from detective Gillis while trying to bypass a traffic jam caused by an earlier fatal collision on Shelbyville Road outside Valhalla Golf Club.
—Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 29 May 2024
Noun
After an investigation, detectives believed that both dogs were neglected and malnourished by their owner, identified as Wilson, according to police.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024
On June 5, detectives obtained a search warrant and found a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden beneath soil in a flower pot in the backyard, Gonzalez stated.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 19 Jun. 2024.
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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