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
Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2024
What starts as a detective mystery, pursued by the rumpled intelligence investigator Clarence Da Shi (Benedict Wong), escalates to a looming war of the worlds.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024
Holcomb was tracked to a nearby motel in Melvindale based on eyewitness accounts and other detective work, the Dearborn police said.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
The detective crime thriller about the dark side of fame was published in 2009 — which some readers assumed was based on Johnny’s life.
—Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
The Witch Elm cantilevered off detective fiction and created something far more modern and angular than its predecessors, a novel that used an old foundation to fashion a new, more pointed structure.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024
Book said in his clue package that featured an Animals 101 book, a detective badge, a ghost and an open mic night sign.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024
The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now There are also tons of other shows that Night Country fans will love, from detective dramas to paranormal frights, shows set in the far north, and more.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024
Krell got lucky with that bit of detective work and found Patricia’s son.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2024
Mersch later told detectives that at least $70,000 worth of material at All in Steel’s facility in Burlington was stolen from Boone Steel.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024
Examiner Ego Nwodim is joined by detectives James Austin Johnson and Youssef.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2024
In an interview with two detectives, Nathaniel Rowland described watching his wife cut her neck.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024
Sitting across from Ruby’s blank stare, the detective tried again.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
While he was originally offered the role of straight man Marty Hart in the anthology series, McConaughey was rightfully drawn to Rust Cohle, the equally talented and troubled detective.
—Jeff Labrecque, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024
The detectives on the ground and the police department's helicopter searched the area, but there have been no sightings of Strain.
—Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2024
The detectives had one other piece of information that further solidified Reeves as the one who killed Shauna Beth, Howard said.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Kim sets out to reveal the slasher’s identity, who might be stalking her, with the help of her friend, detective Gi-eun (Kim Su-yeon).
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2024
What starts as a detective mystery, pursued by the rumpled intelligence investigator Clarence Da Shi (Benedict Wong), escalates to a looming war of the worlds.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024
Holcomb was tracked to a nearby motel in Melvindale based on eyewitness accounts and other detective work, the Dearborn police said.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
The detective crime thriller about the dark side of fame was published in 2009 — which some readers assumed was based on Johnny’s life.
—Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
The Witch Elm cantilevered off detective fiction and created something far more modern and angular than its predecessors, a novel that used an old foundation to fashion a new, more pointed structure.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024
Book said in his clue package that featured an Animals 101 book, a detective badge, a ghost and an open mic night sign.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024
The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now There are also tons of other shows that Night Country fans will love, from detective dramas to paranormal frights, shows set in the far north, and more.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024
Krell got lucky with that bit of detective work and found Patricia’s son.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
Noun
Lead detective: Douglas Morning, douglas.morning@indy.gov.
—Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Apr. 2024
Mersch later told detectives that at least $70,000 worth of material at All in Steel’s facility in Burlington was stolen from Boone Steel.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024
Examiner Ego Nwodim is joined by detectives James Austin Johnson and Youssef.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2024
In an interview with two detectives, Nathaniel Rowland described watching his wife cut her neck.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2024
Sitting across from Ruby’s blank stare, the detective tried again.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024
While he was originally offered the role of straight man Marty Hart in the anthology series, McConaughey was rightfully drawn to Rust Cohle, the equally talented and troubled detective.
—Jeff Labrecque, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024
The detectives on the ground and the police department's helicopter searched the area, but there have been no sightings of Strain.
—Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2024
The detectives had one other piece of information that further solidified Reeves as the one who killed Shauna Beth, Howard said.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2024
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.
Word History
Phrases Containing detective
Articles Related to detective
Dictionary Entries Near detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
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
More from Merriam-Webster on detective
Nglish: Translation of detective for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of detective for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detective
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