inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
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 noun

Examples of inspector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But inspectors say these prevention efforts are faltering. Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 The phones would be activated only during the month of an election and would also serve other purposes such as allowing chief inspectors to document with a photograph any concerns or questions. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 In addition, inspectors found that the boba shop’s food safety certification and employee food handler cards had expired. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 The head of training for the Seaquarium, Andrew Scullion, cited the Dolphin Company’s resources in pushing back against recent complaints by federal inspectors that the park’s animal-care operation was short-staffed. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 The fictional inspector has also been featured in radio and theater adaptations. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 The number of dead cattle is expected to double or triple in the coming days as inspectors continue inspecting the land and animals are euthanized because of burn injuries and trauma, Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, told USA TODAY. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Those who have already made repairs or started their recovery should still apply since inspectors are trained to recognize damages, according to FEMA. Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024 From 2019 to 2023, OSHA said inspectors performed eight investigations of ALJ worksites that resulted in the issuance of 24 willful citations, 16 serious citations, and more than $2.3 million in penalties. Steve Lieberman, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inspector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspector was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near inspector

Cite this Entry

“Inspector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspector. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person who makes inspections
meat inspector
2
: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
inspectorship 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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