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

Its Waitrose supermarkets has a whodunit two-parter which leaves audiences on a cliffhanger, starring Succession's Matthew Macfadyen as a detective on the hunt to uncover who has stolen the family's red velvet cake.

From BBC

It also makes space for immersive theater — see the whimsical investigative adventure that is “The Apple Avenue Detective Agency” — and even games that turn barcode scanners into controllers, such as “Wizard’s Warehouse: The Magick of Retail.”

From Los Angeles Times

There’s nowhere else, for instance, one can sample a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” game and take part in the live-action role-playing game “The Apple Avenue Detective Agency.”

From Los Angeles Times

Crocker adds that the power of being a kid detective comes not from where you are, but how you see the world: “A kid detective can notice details and cultivate curiosity anywhere — all you need are a few friends. And snacks. A notebook is helpful. Also a magnifying glass and some walkie talkies. But mostly friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

And the detective has his own theory on the character behind the crimes.

From BBC

Related Words

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