detective

1 of 2

adjective

de·​tec·​tive di-ˈtek-tiv How to pronounce detective (audio)
Synonyms of detectivenext
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
detectivelike
di-ˈtek-tiv-ˌlīk How to pronounce detective (audio)
adjective

detective

2 of 2

noun

: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective

Synonyms of detective

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adjective
Martin McCann plays the lead role of detective inspector Sheens, who investigates years later. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Fumero’s character, Teri, is a detective inspector for the New Jersey State Police. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
And at Amblin, Spielberg is developing a movie based on McQueen’s character in the 1968 cop drama Bullitt — not a remake so much as a new storyline about the San Francisco detective. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 Playing the mother of the de facto detective at the center of the series, Ebersole’s character can charm anyone except her own daughter. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detective

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detective was in 1732

Phrases Containing detective

Rhymes for detective

See All Rhymes for detective

Browse Nearby Words

detection
detective
detector
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Cite this Entry

“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detective

1 of 2 adjective
de·​tec·​tive di-ˈtek-tiv How to pronounce detective (audio)
: 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

Legal Definition

detective

noun
de·​tec·​tive
: a person engaged or employed in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective

More from Merriam-Webster on detective

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detective

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