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
Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 25 July 2024
Years ago, Friedman became a prolific writer, publishing several detective novels through the 1980s and ‘90s.
—Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Aug. 2024
With its breezy, playful tone, Bad Monkey captures the spirit of a few of our favorite detective comedies.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective 
Adjective
Tully supervised the detective unit at the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, where Proctor worked.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 25 July 2024
Years ago, Friedman became a prolific writer, publishing several detective novels through the 1980s and ‘90s.
—Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
Noun
The same year, Vaughn and a detective sergeant were named in a federal lawsuit by the city’s council president who accused the police department of violating her constitutional rights during a search of her home.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Aug. 2024
With its breezy, playful tone, Bad Monkey captures the spirit of a few of our favorite detective comedies.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 19 Aug. 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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