investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce investigator (audio)
plural investigators
: one who investigates something: such as
a
: detective
a private investigator
Debra Winger plays the investigator who becomes fixated on identifying a killer …Margaret Rauch
b
: a person who conducts experiments or is involved in scientific studies for research
the lead investigator in a clinical trial
For dialect recording, it is best for the investigator to take down as full and accurate notes as possible without slowing down the pace of the interview.Ravin I. McDavid, Jr.

Examples of investigator in a Sentence

investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
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.
Kenny added that investigators found evidence that Mangione knew of UnitedHealthcare's annual investor conference in New York City. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Public court records obtained by Outdoor Life in October show how investigators used cell phone records to unravel Alexander’s offenses. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 12 Dec. 2024 That aligns with investigators' working theory about the suspect's possible motive for targeting Thompson, which is apparent animosity toward the health care industry. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024 Edwards said investigators have not yet been able to decipher the encryption. Matthew Barakat, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for investigator 

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of investigator was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near investigator

Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigator. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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