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
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 Dec. 2024
The list includes several detective mysteries: Red Harvest and The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, Ellery Queen's The Roman Hat Mystery, and Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As previously mentioned, detectives are re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of this broader investigation.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for detective 
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Adjective
What makes these fertile grounds for detective fiction?
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 Dec. 2024
The list includes several detective mysteries: Red Harvest and The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, Ellery Queen's The Roman Hat Mystery, and Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
Homicide detectives are investigating deaths at several locations, said Nicole Nishida, communications director for the Sheriff’s Department.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
As previously mentioned, detectives are re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of this broader investigation.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for detective
Articles Related to detective
Dictionary Entries Near detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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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