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

Forty-six days after Brooke’s death, no arrests have been made and authorities have publicly identified no suspects or persons of interest. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Cops say a person of interest is in custody, though no charges have been filed yet. — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026

The Fort Worth Police Department is seeking help from the public to identify and find a person of interest in a case of financial abuse of the elderly. — Mary Ella Hastings july 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Maximus Morgan, 21, of Sacramento, was first detained at the scene as a person of interest in the homicide investigation. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for person of interest

• noninterest

Legal Definition

person of interest

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