private eye

noun

Synonyms of private eyenext

Examples of private eye in a Sentence

unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter
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.
Princess Lilibet and her brother, Prince Archie, 6, are often kept out of the private eye by their parents, but the siblings have recently been featured in a number of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's photos — and some of their philanthropic work. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026 On Friday, the network added a comedy, a private eye show from Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumni Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026 Brian Albert, former Boston cop and now Brockton private eye extraordinaire, will hold a press conference to announce the hiring of his two newest very ethical crack sleuths – Michael Proctor and Kelly Dever. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 The novel sometimes reads like a prequel to Gravity’s Rainbow; the private eye, Hicks McTaggart, moving through a universe already vibrating with the same febrile harmonics that will later detonate in the Second World War. Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for private eye

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of private eye was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Private eye.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20eye. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

private eye

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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