inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
Synonyms of inspectornext
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 How to pronounce inspector (audio)
noun

Examples of inspector 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.
After visiting again on April 23, the inspector wrote that the property appeared to be used as a group living operation or a homeless shelter and expected to issue a violation notice. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Instead, the programs frequently alert companies before inspectors show up. — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Sacramento County inspectors issued a red placard to a local pizzeria after watching a gloved employee grab a napkin, kill a cockroach and continue cooking. — Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Martin McCann plays the lead role of detective inspector Sheens, who investigates years later. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspector

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspector was in 1602

Phrases Containing inspector

Rhymes for inspector

See All Rhymes for inspector

Browse Nearby Words

inspective
inspector
inspectorate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person who makes inspections
meat inspector
2
: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
inspectorship
-ˌship How to pronounce inspector (audio)
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

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