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
H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Image Friedman largely abandoned the music business for decades, initially to kick a cocaine habit and then to reinvent himself in the mid-1980s as an author of detective novels.
—Daniel Taub, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025
The detective suffered head injuries, and his K-9 partner, Roxi, sustained life-threatening injuries, according to investigators.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for detective 
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Adjective
We're not just confined to a medical drama or a detective drama.
—H. Alan Scott, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Image Friedman largely abandoned the music business for decades, initially to kick a cocaine habit and then to reinvent himself in the mid-1980s as an author of detective novels.
—Daniel Taub, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (816) 234-5043 or through the TIPS hotline anonymously at (816) 474- TIPS.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025
The detective suffered head injuries, and his K-9 partner, Roxi, sustained life-threatening injuries, according to investigators.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for detective
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 6 Feb. 2025.
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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