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

When in doubt, call an inspector to help identify mouse entry points. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 1 Nov. 2026

After the game, the inspector roams the locker rooms, checking to make sure that no non-partner logos can be seen by reporters, fans or television cameras — and then writes a summary of each game for the league. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

The only thing inspectors want touching handwash sinks is soapy water from hands being washed. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 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