inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər 

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

in-ˈspek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of inspector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Daphnis said every time inspectors find bulky items illegally dumped in the right-of-way, the church faces potential penalties. —Larry Seward, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

The complexity of real estate means that expert guidance — from attorneys, agents, brokers, inspectors, accountants and financial advisors — will always matter. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026

The location was closed because of issues with its hot water temperature, inspectors said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026

An inspector recommended excavating on her side to allow waterproofing the wall and installing a drainpipe. —Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inspector

• inspector general

Rhymes for inspector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər 

1

: a person who makes inspections

meat inspector

2

: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent

inspectorship

-ˌship 

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