de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv 
1
: fitted for or used in detecting something
had perfected his detective sensibilities
2
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective novel
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
Synonyms
Examples of detective in a Sentence
Adjective
We had to do some detective work to find out who used to own the property.
He enjoys reading detective novels.
Noun
She is a detective on the police force.
Detective Sgt. Lee is working on the case.
She hired a detective to follow her husband.
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Tassi, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024
Some two decades later, in the wake of her mother’s death, Millie (an exceptional Tamara Lawrance) leaves her detective role at London’s Scotland Yard and returns to Kingston.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
During a Monday news conference, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said detectives were traveling to Altoona, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, to interview Mangione.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective 
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Adjective
The series is based on a series of detective novels by Tony Hillerman (who died in 2008), and there are 18 books.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024
Some two decades later, in the wake of her mother’s death, Millie (an exceptional Tamara Lawrance) leaves her detective role at London’s Scotland Yard and returns to Kingston.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
Joseph Kenny, the NYPD's chief of detectives, confirmed Monday that the note is now in the possession of the Altoona Police Department.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
During a Monday news conference, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said detectives were traveling to Altoona, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, to interview Mangione.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective
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Dictionary Entries Near detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detective
1 of 2 adjective
de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective story
detective
2 of 2 noun
: a person whose business is solving crimes and catching criminals or gathering information that is not easy to get
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