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
Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
That’s when Danielle went into full detective mode, scrutinizing everything that touched her skin—lotions, serums, hair products, even the family’s laundry detergent.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Oct. 2025
Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Within the last 30 years, the German shepherd Rex has become the ultimate four-legged detective and a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring numerous international adaptations, which add up to a total of 750 episodes.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
But when tourists start turning up dead, he’s reluctantly drawn back into detective work — egged on by his barmaid Rosa, a crime drama superfan.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
That’s when Danielle went into full detective mode, scrutinizing everything that touched her skin—lotions, serums, hair products, even the family’s laundry detergent.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
On Thursday, detectives learned the suspects were in the Hayward area.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Within the last 30 years, the German shepherd Rex has become the ultimate four-legged detective and a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring numerous international adaptations, which add up to a total of 750 episodes.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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