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
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
Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Led by Christie, whose Poirot and Marple books have sold the world over and been adapted into countless TV series and movies, the 1930s era is considered a golden age for detective fiction.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Stayton Bonner, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2025
Peter Valentin, chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven and a former Connecticut State Police detective, cited the need for investigators to confirm a victim’s death is the work of a serial killer when looking into these types of cases.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
According to the most recent organizational chart on CPD’s directory of general orders, the first deputy’s office previously supervised the department’s patrol units, detective division and bureau of counterterrorism, among other responsibilities.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Led by Christie, whose Poirot and Marple books have sold the world over and been adapted into countless TV series and movies, the 1930s era is considered a golden age for detective fiction.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Noun
And when this happens, victims and the FBI call Joe Ford, a detective with a particular set of skills.
—Stayton Bonner, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2025
Peter Valentin, chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven and a former Connecticut State Police detective, cited the need for investigators to confirm a victim’s death is the work of a serial killer when looking into these types of cases.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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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