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
JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024
High Culture From Poe to Mao: piecing together the evolution of detective stories
Detective fiction reveals how a particular society or time period looks at crime and criminal justice.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024
On June 5, detectives obtained a search warrant and found a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden beneath soil in a flower pot in the backyard, Gonzalez stated.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for detective 
Adjective
What makes these fertile grounds for detective fiction?
—JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024
High Culture From Poe to Mao: piecing together the evolution of detective stories
Detective fiction reveals how a particular society or time period looks at crime and criminal justice.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
Noun
After an investigation, detectives believed that both dogs were neglected and malnourished by their owner, identified as Wilson, according to police.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2024
On June 5, detectives obtained a search warrant and found a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden beneath soil in a flower pot in the backyard, Gonzalez stated.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 June 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 30 Jun. 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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