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.
Sources said investigators were searching for a person of interest Thursday. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 Cotner said investigators have conducted many interviews with persons of interest. — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 Officials said Fleming is also a person of interest in the murder of Schmidt. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Asked about the status of the investigation and if any persons of interest have been interviewed, the spokesperson did not provide further comment. — Deena Zaru, ABC News, 9 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 17 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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