private detective

noun

: private investigator

Synonyms of private detective

• detective
• investigator
• private eye
• private investigator

Examples of private detective in a Sentence

when the police insisted that it was an accident and not murder, she hired a private detective

Recent Examples on the Web

After a lot of private detective work, Jenn managed to locate Nouela Johnston in Seattle and flew in her and her percussionist, Joe Mengis, to play her songs. — James Gunn, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026

Bernadette Peters will play Coco Van Beck, the aforementioned queen of San Francisco society who enlists private detective Julie (Estrada) and her operative Charles on the case. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

In the book, Liz’s private detective takes photos, which Liz cruelly passes on to Debbie. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026

Next month, Minotaur Books will publish the private detective mystery Killer Vibes by Jack Friday–or as readers will recognize him, John Fram. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for private detective

• radioprotective
• stereoselective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• directive
• effective
• elective

Kids Definition

private detective

noun

: private investigator

Legal Definition

private detective

noun

: private investigator