inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər 

1

: a person employed to inspect something

2

a

: a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent

b

: a person appointed to oversee a polling place

inspectorship

in-ˈspek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of inspector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When closing on the house, the Nguyens were able to get $12,000 in closing cost credits since an inspector had noted the roof would likely need replacing. —Lizzie Kane, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

An inspector would, of course, benefit the seller and buyer as well. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025

During Thursday’s re-inspection, there were seven rodent droppings in the same area the inspector saw 15 on Wednesday. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025

In May, inspectors from the state found several indicators of possible human trafficking at the Woodhaven address, including people living on the premises, according to the release. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inspector

• inspector general

Rhymes for inspector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər 

1

: a person who makes inspections

meat inspector

2

: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent

inspectorship

-ˌship 

noun

Legal Definition

inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor

1

: a person employed or authorized to inspect something

2

: a police officer in charge of a number of precincts and ranking below a superintendent or deputy superintendent