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
Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
The film is a blend of sci-fi and classic detective movies from the ’40s.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
Darius Johnson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
During an interview with detectives, Herring denied any contact with Laura or coming to Fort Worth to pick up Laura.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Aldis Hodge takes on one of modern detective fiction’s longest-running characters, following in the footsteps of Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry to play James Patterson’s star forensic psychologist, Alex Cross.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
The film is a blend of sci-fi and classic detective movies from the ’40s.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
Police are asking anyone who recognizes this child or has information to call Area Four SVU detectives at 312-746-8251.
—Darius Johnson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
During an interview with detectives, Herring denied any contact with Laura or coming to Fort Worth to pick up Laura.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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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