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

Morrison now lives in Colorado City, Colorado, and works as a welding inspector for a wind energy company. — Mikella Schuettler, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Forbes Travel Guide meticulously curates the Hotel Zone's luxury accommodations, employing incognito inspectors who rigorously assess properties based on exceptional service (70%) and facility quality (30%). — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The small flies were spotted both on the first floor and in the preparation areas in the basement, inspectors said. — Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

The inspector noticed two old rodent droppings, but the issue was fixed at the time of the inspection, according to the report. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 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