de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv 
1
: fitted for or used in detecting something
had perfected his detective sensibilities
2
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective novel
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
Examples of detective in a Sentence
Adjective
We had to do some detective work to find out who used to own the property.
He enjoys reading detective novels.
Noun
She is a detective on the police force.
Detective Sgt. Lee is working on the case.
She hired a detective to follow her husband.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
After the conclusion of the games, In-ho/The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) leaves the baby and the prize money with his detective brother, Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), meaning Jun-hee's baby got a happy ending.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 2 July 2025
Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 20 July 2025
Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was violently sucked into an MRI machine by a metal chain around his neck, police in New York said.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
McConaughey is in talks to star in a movie centering on the detective character Mike Hammer for a project that has a script from Pizzolatto.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
After the conclusion of the games, In-ho/The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) leaves the baby and the prize money with his detective brother, Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), meaning Jun-hee's baby got a happy ending.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
Metro Nashville Police Department homicide detectives are investigating after a woman's body, covered by a garbage bag, was discovered off the side of the road in South Nashville on July 19.
—Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 20 July 2025
Homicide detectives are investigating after a man was violently sucked into an MRI machine by a metal chain around his neck, police in New York said.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detective
1 of 2 adjective
de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective story
detective
2 of 2 noun
: a person whose business is solving crimes and catching criminals or gathering information that is not easy to get
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