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

After declaring Iran non-compliant with its safeguarding obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the IAEA later pulled out its inspectors following Iran's suspension of cooperation in response to the Israeli attacks. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

To find the best hotels in Palm Beach, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. —Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact postal inspectors at 877-876-2455. —Alex Stone, ABC News, 20 July 2025

Now, Iran has reportedly banned IAEA inspectors from its nuclear facilities, and the fear and suspicion about a surprise nuclear breakout will grow over time. —Robert A. Pape, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025

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