inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person employed to inspect something
2
a
: a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
b
: a person appointed to oversee a polling place
inspectorship noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The settlement stems from an October 2019 site visit where inspectors observed multiple violations, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 30 May 2023 This put him in conflict with Shaw, who had once overseen the hospital, and who sicced health inspectors on Clinton’s cafeterias. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2023 Meanwhile, a spokesman for the city’s Department of Buildings said last May inspectors visited the new structure. Justin Ray, Robb Report, 25 May 2023 The uncertainty could affect U.S. military personnel as well as food safety inspectors, air traffic controllers and workers in other vital jobs. Jeff Stein, Anchorage Daily News, 14 May 2023 American military officials said the shift was necessary, given that fighting has largely prevented U.S. inspectors from visiting battlefield units. Lara Jakes, New York Times, 12 May 2023 The complaint suggested that the plant lacked proper cleaning practices and that workers falsified records and hid information from inspectors. Jen Christensen, CNN, 11 May 2023 If a ride is deemed unsafe, an inspector is not to issue an inspection certificate until the unsafe conditions have been rectified. John Sharp | Jsharp@al.com, al, 3 May 2023 Barkow, the sheriff’s office inspector, said a partnership with police and the Wisconsin State Patrol will add more traffic enforcement along the lakefront. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inspector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspector was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near inspector

Cite this Entry

“Inspector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspector. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person who makes inspections
meat inspector
2
: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
inspectorship noun

Legal Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor
1
: a person employed or authorized to inspect something
2
: a police officer in charge of a number of precincts and ranking below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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