investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər 

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.

Synonyms of investigator

• researcher

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

Federal investigators, the Secret Service and the Sheriff’s Department are still investigating the matter, and Taele could face additional charges. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Rabbit told reporters investigators have been unable to verify any abuse claims made by Myers or Steadman. — Matt Foster, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

The man, identified as Farinacci, was questioned and released but was arrested again later by major crimes detectives and investigators as more details emerged during the investigation, Nowels said in a press conference. — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026

Citizen tips and information from Airway Heights police officers and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies who responded to the initial call and conducted evacuations helped lead investigators to Farinacci, the sheriff’s office said. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing investigator

• co-investigator
• private investigator

Rhymes for investigator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator