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.
Campbell said investigators have also identified a person of interest in a separate fraud case following the Biffle family's death. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 No one has been arrested in that case, but there is a person of interest and the investigation spans multiple states, Campbell said Tuesday. — Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026 Combs has repeatedly denied any involvement in Shakur’s killing and has never been named by investigators as a suspect or even a person of interest in the case. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Since money is tight and Floyd had an insurance policy, Carol is a logical enough person of interest. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 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 24 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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