plain·clothes
ˈplān-ˈklō(t͟h)z 
: dressed in civilian clothes while on duty
—used especially of a police officer
: civilian clothes : the dress of an ordinary citizen
… he had brought in a stenographer, more cops, and an older man in plain clothes.—
E. L. Doctorow
—used especially in describing the clothes of a police officerE. L. Doctorowa detective in plain clothes
Examples of plainclothes in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
CBS News, 9 June 2020
The agents are part of the Ohio Investigative Unit, which is made up of plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco and food stamp fraud laws.
—Sean McDonnell/akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati.com, 22 May 2020
Time, 9 July 2025
Detective in plain clothes but with visible badges hanging around their necks were waiting for Rendell when his manager called him into the office.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for plainclothes
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Adjective
In the early morning hours of February 4, 1999, Amadou was standing outside his building when four white plainclothes officers drove by.
—CBS News, 9 June 2020
The agents are part of the Ohio Investigative Unit, which is made up of plainclothes peace officers responsible for enforcing Ohio’s alcohol, tobacco and food stamp fraud laws.
—Sean McDonnell/akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati.com, 22 May 2020
Noun
The Gringo Hunters work in plain clothes, drive unmarked vehicles, and rely on intelligence from U.S. agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Marshals.
—Time, 9 July 2025
Detective in plain clothes but with visible badges hanging around their necks were waiting for Rendell when his manager called him into the office.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for plainclothes
Cite this Entry
“Plainclothes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plainclothes. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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plainclothes
adjective
plain·clothes
ˈplān-ˈklōz, -ˈklōt͟hz
: dressed in civilian clothes while on duty
—used especially of a police officer
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