person of interest

noun phrase

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested

Examples of person of interest in a Sentence

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.
Tisch added the person of interest was also found with a lighter in his pocket. Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 23 Dec. 2024 Tisch added that the person of interest was found with a lighter in his pocket. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 23 Dec. 2024 The arrest comes after three high school students spotted the person of interest and alerted authorities, following the release of surveillance images to the public. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024 Investigators considered the theory that JonBenét may have been killed by an intruder, and over the years, looked at other persons of interest, including a neighbor who played Santa Claus and at least two people who confessed to the murder. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for person of interest 

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of person of interest was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near person of interest

Cite this Entry

“Person of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/person%20of%20interest. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

person of interest

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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