detective

[ dih-tek-tiv ]

noun

1. a member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.

adjective

1. of or relating to detection or detectives:

   a detective story.

2. serving to detect; detecting:

   various detective devices.

detective

/ dɪˈtɛktɪv /

noun

1. 1. a police officer who investigates crimes
   2. See private detective
   3. ( as modifier )

      a detective story

adjective

1. used in or serving for detection
2. serving to detect

Word History and Origins

Origin of detective¹

First recorded in 1830–40; detect + -ive

Example Sentences

Or someone could do the most British next thing and write him a nice detective series.

From Los Angeles Times

New South Wales Police said detectives from the Child Abuse Squad took an 83-year-old man into custody at an apartment in Sydney's Circular Quay early on Monday morning, before searching the property.

From BBC

His phoenixlike return was emblematic of the “Wild West” nature of the staffing world, said Pollie Pent, a former detective with the California Department of Insurance’s fraud division who now works in the insurance industry.

From New York Times

West Yorkshire Police said detectives were continuing to investigate Mr Kwashira's death and have urged people to come forward with information.

From BBC

It was the biggest robbery ever carried out in the Metropolitan Police district, with 120 detectives working on the case.

From BBC

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
• private investigator
• prosecutor
• reporter
• sleuth
• spy