private investigator

noun

1. private detective. : PI, p.i., P.I.

Word History and Origins

Origin of private investigator¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

He gets a new lease on life when he’s tapped by a private investigator to go undercover at a San Francisco retirement home to dig into the theft of a missing heirloom.

From Los Angeles Times

Detailing her plans to hire private investigators and legal counsel, Cardi B warned: “Don’t you ever in your f— life play with my f— kids.”

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, Campos found a private investigator, John Brown, who began his career helping farmworkers in the Central Valley in their fight to unionize and now specializes in investigations for those accused of crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

Wells collected data for hundreds of cases, investigated dozens herself and even hired private investigators, and carefully tracked and catalogued how those cases were reported.

From Salon

As John Black, across more than 4,200 episodes, Hogestyn was a spy, mercenary, police officer, private investigator and secret agent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inquiry agent
• P.I.
• private detective
• private dick
• private eye
• private investigator
• sleuth