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
ABC News, 6 May 2026
Black’s initial germ for the film, writing with Anthony Bagarozzi, was inspired by detective stories like those of William Campbell Gault and Brett Halliday.
—Jake Coyle, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
After an investigation, detectives reported there was bruising on the chest of the child and learned of two more alleged incidents between Yousse and the child.
—Catherine Dominguez, Houston Chronicle, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Black's initial germ for the film, writing with Anthony Bagarozzi, was inspired by detective stories like those of William Campbell Gault and Brett Halliday.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
Black’s initial germ for the film, writing with Anthony Bagarozzi, was inspired by detective stories like those of William Campbell Gault and Brett Halliday.
—Jake Coyle, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Noun
When questioned by a detective, Paup allegedly admitted to having felony convictions out of Missouri for passing bad checks.
—Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
After an investigation, detectives reported there was bruising on the chest of the child and learned of two more alleged incidents between Yousse and the child.
—Catherine Dominguez, Houston Chronicle, 11 May 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 18 May. 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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