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

• dick
• gumshoe
• hawkshaw
• investigator
• operative
• private detective
• private eye
• private investigator
• shamus [slang]
• sherlock
• sleuth
• sleuthhound

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

Donnie Wahlberg, who played detective Danny Reagan since the first episode of the CBS series, will reprise his role in the new spinoff, Boston Blue. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 14 June 2025

Just make sure that detective work doesn’t travel back to the host. —Angela Haupt, Time, 29 May 2025

Noun

No arrests had been made as an investigation by Calumet Area detectives was underway. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

Based on a preliminary investigation, detectives believe other women also may have been assaulted by Palacios, police said. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 25 June 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