person of interest

noun phrase

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested

Examples of person of interest in a Sentence

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.
One search of a home associated with Davis turned up mail pertaining to the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas for Orlando Anderson — Davis’ cousin and fellow Southside Crip was a person of interest in Shakur’s killing, Ladd testified, and was detained. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Neither brother has been named as a suspect or person of interest. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 One person of interest was detained in connection with the shooting, but as of Sunday night, police had not yet announced any arrests. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has not named any suspect or person of interest in the case, nor ever suggested that Conor was somehow involved in the crime. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for person of interest

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of person of interest was in 1937

Rhymes for person of interest

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Browse Nearby Words

person of inherence
person of interest
person-to-person
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Cite this Entry

“Person of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/person%20of%20interest. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

person of interest

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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