sleuth

[ slooth ]

noun

1. a detective.

   Synonyms: investigator, shamus, gumshoe, private eye, private investigator

2. a bloodhound, a dog used for tracking.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to track or trail, as a detective.

sleuth

/ sluːθ /

noun

1. an informal word for detective
2. short for sleuthhound

verb

1. tr to track or follow

Other Words From

• sleuthlike adjective
• super·sleuth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleuth¹

First recorded in 1875–80; short for sleuthhound

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleuth¹

C19: short for sleuthhound, from C12 sleuth trail, from Old Norse sloth; see slot ²

Example Sentences

Sliding into the gap between the creation of a late-’80s marketing invention programmed by three white men and our 21st century world of cyber-unreality, first-time feature director Jones becomes a cheery, determined DIY sleuth investigating a cultural icon.

From Los Angeles Times

Superior Court — follows a rocky six-month period that included competing allegations, with reports of Griffin kicking Bick out of the home they were sharing, subsequently hiring a sleuth to find him so she could serve divorce papers, and him accusing her of refusing to let him back into the L.A. home to retrieve personal belongings.

From Los Angeles Times

The series centers on Diarra Brickland, a teacher who turns amateur sleuth when her Tinder date disappears.

From Los Angeles Times

Also with a strong showing is “Fallout’s” Moisés Arias, who portrays the cowardly younger brother turned determined sleuth who lives in an underground bomb shelter in the video game adaptation.

From Los Angeles Times

I also hope Moisés Arias can generate enough buzz for his turn as Norm, who grows from timid younger brother to resourceful sleuth over the course of the first season of “Fallout.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gumshoe
• private detective
• private eye