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

Michelin Guide top hotels Michelin’s inspectors evaluate hotels via anonymous stays or visits, according to the company’s website. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025

The inspector noticed raw eggs and beef stored above the produce, organic matter on the ice chute and ice maker door, and rodent droppings in the dry storage area. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025

The company’s inspectors carry out regular and thorough checks on the workshops selected and employed by Tod’s. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

What Happens Next FDA inspectors will classify the recall one of three hazard levels, from the lowest risk, Class III, to the highest, Class I. —News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 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