noun
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a person who inspects, esp an official who examines for compliance with regulations, standards, etc
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a police officer ranking below a superintendent or chief inspector and above a sergeant
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inspector
1595–1605; < Latin, equivalent to inspec-, variant stem of inspicere ( see inspect) + -tor -tor
Explanation
An inspector is someone who looks into, observes, and examines things — it's also a word for a detective. The government employs many inspectors — an inspector has to check out the kitchen of a restaurant to see if they're following the rules for cleanliness. Hospitals need to let inspectors check things out, to make sure conditions are safe. Many types of business have inspectors — especially if there's a health concern. An inspector observes things carefully — an inspector checks things out.
Vocabulary lists containing inspector
"The Fun They Had"
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 3
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: spec
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In an interview with CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, she told Jake Tapper she could revive the criminal investigation depending on the inspector general’s findings.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
In 2022, for example, Villanueva banned the inspector general from department facilities and databases.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
In response to those concerns, the DHS inspector general announced in February an investigation into the department’s collection of biometric data.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Ofsted's chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver previously said the new system would be "better for parents" and "fair" to schools.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
Then the inspector said she had a possible lead.
From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
