investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce investigator (audio)
plural investigators
: one who investigates something: such as
a
: detective
a private investigator
Debra Winger plays the investigator who becomes fixated on identifying a killer …Margaret Rauch
b
: a person who conducts experiments or is involved in scientific studies for research
the lead investigator in a clinical trial
For dialect recording, it is best for the investigator to take down as full and accurate notes as possible without slowing down the pace of the interview.Ravin I. McDavid, Jr.

Examples of investigator in a Sentence

investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
Recent Examples on the Web
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However, another jailhouse informant, David Vogel, later gave a recorded interview to a DA investigator, also saying Neary admitted to stabbing the victim, corroborating Lunsford’s original statement. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025 What investigators conclude about Robinson’s motivations may have far-reaching consequences beyond his own criminal case. Connor Greene, Time, 17 Sep. 2025 If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025 After his arrest, Zinn did not cooperate with law enforcement or want to speak with investigators, the sheriff's office said. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for investigator

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of investigator was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigator. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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