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private investigator
noun
: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (such as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)
Synonyms
Examples of private investigator in a Sentence
She hired a private investigator to follow her husband.
the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator
Recent Examples on the Web
Judy and Philippa share many interests, among them a love of mystery writer Ray Kane’s novels about private investigator Calvin McKey.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2024
Mark, a 37-year-old private investigator from Miami, is an independent voter who said the verdict made that decision not to vote for Trump clear for him.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 30 May 2024
But Steve Ridge, a private investigator who has been working the case, is continuing to fight for the recovery of Huisentruit’s remains.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2024
In 2010, at The Sunday Times, Newell hired a private investigator named John Ford to secure a copy of Blair’s memoir ahead of its release.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 15 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for private investigator
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'private investigator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1940, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of private investigator was
in 1940
Dictionary Entries Near private investigator
Cite this Entry
“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20investigator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
private investigator
noun
: a person who does detective work and is not a member of a police force
Legal Definition
private investigator
noun
: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)
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