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

Neither has been named as a person of interest in Ashley’s case, and in interviews with other journalists, both have denied involvement in her disappearance. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026

Police promptly identified Loper as a person of interest in the case. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Police in Puerto Rico reportedly have a person of interest in the homicide case, according to local outlet El Nuevo Dia. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Several images of persons of interest were also released, and authorities in May increased a reward to $25,000 for information leading to a conviction. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 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