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
Laurie Kellman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
It has been published by other news outlets, including by The Associated Press in 2016, as part of their coverage of the detective work.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
When two detectives later knocked on her door, Pacheco recorded their interaction.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
It has been published by other news outlets, including by The Associated Press in 2016, as part of their coverage of the detective work.
—Laurie Kellman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
It has been published by other news outlets, including by The Associated Press in 2016, as part of their coverage of the detective work.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
Authorities said the investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing efforts to determine whether additional suspects may be involved.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
When two detectives later knocked on her door, Pacheco recorded their interaction.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 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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