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

Synonyms

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

The five-episode series will star Jakob Oftebro and Peter Andersson as lead investigator Thomas and ex-detective Alfred, Thomas’ estranged father, respectively. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025

And then there were detective interviews with the community. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025

Noun

The detectives’ new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025

In 2024, the investigation led detectives to identify the man as Robinson, who was originally from South Carolina but had lived in Pueblo since 2017, deputies said. —Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1849, 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