private detective

noun

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
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.
Taylor Russell is already on board as a suave private detective. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025 The fifth book in the Pentecost and Parker mystery series finds Lillian Pentecost, an aging private detective with multiple sclerosis, under arrest for the murder of a wealthy financier. Liza Tully, People.com, 6 July 2025 The Italian Ferretti Group was the setting for a spy-vs-spy scenario that reportedly included private detectives shadowing an executive of the Italian builder’s primary Chinese investor and recording devices hidden in several offices, according to Bloomberg. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 June 2025 As a new teaser trailer from Netflix reveals, the private detective is facing his most dangerous case yet. Jack Smart, People.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for private detective

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of private detective was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Private detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20detective. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

private detective

noun

Legal Definition

private detective

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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