detective

1 of 2

adjective

de·​tec·​tive di-ˈtek-tiv How to pronounce detective (audio)
Synonyms of detectivenext
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
detectivelike
di-ˈtek-tiv-ˌlīk How to pronounce detective (audio)
adjective

detective

2 of 2

noun

: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective

Synonyms of detective

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Adjective
Genres run from crime thrillers and detective mysteries to folklore horror, social and courtroom drama, and romance. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 Wallander is based on Henning Mankell’s bestselling novels based on the detective character. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
The complaint said detectives learned during their investigation of a similar theft of a Pokémon card store that happened in July in Osseo, Minnesota. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Oldman scored high marks for his performance as a corrupt New York homicide detective involved with a vicious hitwoman (Lena Olin) in Romeo Is Bleeding (1993). — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detective

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detective was in 1732

Phrases Containing detective

Rhymes for detective

See All Rhymes for detective

Browse Nearby Words

detection
detective
detector
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Cite this Entry

“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detective

1 of 2 adjective
de·​tec·​tive di-ˈtek-tiv How to pronounce detective (audio)
: 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

Legal Definition

detective

noun
de·​tec·​tive
: a person engaged or employed in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective

More from Merriam-Webster on detective

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detective

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