special agent

American  

noun

1. an investigator in a law enforcement agency.

2. an insurance sales representative.

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Etymology

Origin of special agent

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

“We have a character-driven procedural which, when we started, this kind of a show was not really a thing,” says Sean Murray, who has played special agent Timothy McGee since the first season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Jennifer Runyan, FBI special agent in charge of the Detroit office, said the incident was "deeply, disturbing and tragic".

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

FBI special agent Alex Doran said earlier Sunday that a motive for the attack was not known but "there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism."

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Alex Doran, the acting special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in San Antonio, said it was too early to know the shooter’s motive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Tom was a dedicated family man, but like his father he was attracted to the darkness, and in 1917 he took the oath to become a special agent of the Bureau of Investigation.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann