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

Rooted in Basque atmosphere yet shaped by genre, the film offers both detective intrigue and reflections on personal trauma. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025

Following the end of Everwood, John Beasley recurred on the post-Katrina New Orleans drama Treme, TV Land's The Soul Man, the detective drama Shots Fired, and the Bryan Cranston-starring courtroom drama Your Honor. —Eric King, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025

Noun

During a search of Hernandez Santana's car, detectives found a handwritten note that mentioned Epstein and red flags and said not to support Patel, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino or Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to the complaint. —Alex Stone, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025

Sheriff’s office spokesman Adam Linhardt said their arrests followed an investigation by detectives. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 22 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