inspector

1 of 2

noun (1)

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
Synonyms of inspectornext
1
: a person employed to inspect something
2
a
: a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
b
: a person appointed to oversee a polling place
inspectorship
in-ˈspek-tər-ˌship How to pronounce inspector (audio)
noun

inspectorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

in·​spec·​tor·​ship ə̇nzˈpektə(r)ˌship How to pronounce inspectorship (audio)
ə̇nˈsp-
: the status or position of an inspector
obtained his inspectorship at 35

Examples of inspector in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The inspector noted improper food storage and marking and problems with overall cleanliness, the spokesperson said. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 Michael Marcos, a 22-year-old transport inspector from Brazil’s northeastern state of Alagoas, is among those who suffered from anxiety due to betting last year. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The fire department has requested inspectors from Kansas City’s planning department and dangerous buildings division to respond to the scene. — Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 Restaurants and other food vendors ordered to close and allowed to reopen by Orange County health inspectors from June 25 to July 2. — Ian Wheeler, Oc Register, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspector

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspector was in 1602

Phrases Containing inspector

Rhymes for inspector

See All Rhymes for inspector

Browse Nearby Words

inspective
inspector
inspectorate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspector. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person who makes inspections
meat inspector
2
: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
inspectorship
-ˌship How to pronounce inspector (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor
1
: a person employed or authorized to inspect something
2
: a police officer in charge of a number of precincts and ranking below a superintendent or deputy superintendent

More from Merriam-Webster on inspector

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inspector

Nglish: Translation of inspector for Spanish Speakers

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