inspectorate

American  

[in-spek-ter-it] / ɪnˈspɛk tər ɪt /

noun

1. the office or function of an inspector.

2. a body of inspectors.

3. a district under an inspector.

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inspectorate British  

/ ɪnˈspɛktərɪt /

noun

1. the office, rank, or duties of an inspector

2. a body of inspectors

3. a district under an inspector

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Etymology

Origin of inspectorate

First recorded in 1755–65; inspector + -ate ³

Example Sentences

"Where a police force is failing the public, there must be a clear, fair system to make sure concerns are acted upon. The inspectorate is a vital part of that system," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

And England's education inspectorate, Ofsted, will give tougher guidance to schools to reduce phone use - including telling staff not to use their devices for personal reasons in front of pupils.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

It was then considered by the planning inspectorate but in November 2025 the Welsh government confirmed it would not call the application in.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

The BBC obtained a letter from the Dutch police inspectorate in December, which appears to contradict claims made by the West Midlands force about Maccabi fans' previous behaviour.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Morse, commissioner of customs and statistical secretary in the inspectorate general of customs, drew up the following table based on the amounts presumed to be paid by the tax payer:—   ImperialAdministration.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 2 "Chicago, University of" to "Chiton" by Various