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

a police detective

hired a private detective

Synonyms of detective

Noun

• investigator
• operative

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

Suu Kyi, who has served several sentences in prison and under house arrest, has spoken about the influence of literature on her life during her previous periods of detention, and is known to enjoy fiction and detective books. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

The detective work is a pro bono side hustle –– and one that appears likely to get busier. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Noun

Westminster police detectives took over the investigation and determined that the deaths were a double homicide. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

After reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and looking at additional evidence, detectives were able to identify Anderson as the suspect, police said. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1842, 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