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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suspect fled on foot and dropped the gun, according to investigators. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025 According to investigators, Melina and her father crossed into the U.S. from Canada on July 11 for what was supposed to be a vacation. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 State investigators cited conversations with company officials who were present at the meeting, the events of which have not been previously reported. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025 While in the home, investigators found the couch with the camera pointed at it that was described by the teen. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 July 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 26 Jul. 2025.

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