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
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
Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 11 Feb. 2025
Beyond other writers, Poe was also foundational in the development of the genres of horror, science fiction, and detective fiction.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Feb. 2025
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Heidenreich has denied involvement in his girlfriend's death, per the AAP, despite admitting that his stepfather — a former Cairns police officer — was friendly with a detective working on the murder case.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
More recently, Rhys led HBO’s detective drama Perry Mason for two seasons.
—Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 11 Feb. 2025
Beyond other writers, Poe was also foundational in the development of the genres of horror, science fiction, and detective fiction.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
This is a complex incident, and detectives continue to work through all aspects of the investigation.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Heidenreich has denied involvement in his girlfriend's death, per the AAP, despite admitting that his stepfather — a former Cairns police officer — was friendly with a detective working on the murder case.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
Articles Related to detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 4 Mar. 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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