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
a police detective
hired a private detective
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
ABC News,
1 July 2026
This version of the game is less about fisticuffs and more about stealth and detective work.
—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
Based on witness statements, detectives identified the suspect as 35-year-old Salvador Villalaz, the Sheriff’s Office said.
—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
She’s worked hard to live up to the Holmes name, creating her own detective agency in London.
—
ABC News,
1 July 2026
This version of the game is less about fisticuffs and more about stealth and detective work.
—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Noun
The detective was struck in the back of his ballistic vest and was not seriously injured, Mamdani said.
—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
Based on witness statements, detectives identified the suspect as 35-year-old Salvador Villalaz, the Sheriff’s Office said.
—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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