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
Andrew Webster, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2024
What begins as a detective noir to find who killed Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) soon morphs into a dream-like hellscape, as the local authorities and residents of Twin Peaks are besieged by other-worldly occurrences.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2024
Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Police said no suspects were in custody and that area detectives were investigating the shooting.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective 
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Adjective
The streamer announced today that the detective series Sugar, which stars Colin Farrell in the titular role, has been renewed for season 2.
—Andrew Webster, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2024
What begins as a detective noir to find who killed Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) soon morphs into a dream-like hellscape, as the local authorities and residents of Twin Peaks are besieged by other-worldly occurrences.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2024
Noun
In 2010, cold case detectives recovered additional items and sent them for DNA testing, leading to the DNA profile of a male suspect.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Police said no suspects were in custody and that area detectives were investigating the shooting.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
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 23 Nov. 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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