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

The detective’s preference for operating solo and keeping people at arm’s length is a constant.

From Salon

Debbie Davies, the bride in one of the photos shared in the online appeal, said everyone was "very grateful" for the detective work.

From BBC

Owing to her Western spunk, talent for deduction, ability to identify a tobacco scent Holmes cannot and the detective’s need for a sidekick, she’s made his assistant.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigators now suspect the first site was a detective branch of police in Dhaka.

From BBC

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of its founding, Asylum Motorcycle Club members decked out the Escondite with a mechanical bull and DJ equipment, a Los Angeles Police Department detective wrote in the affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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