detective

[dih-tek-tiv]

noun

1. a member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.

adjective

1. of or relating to detection or detectives.

   a detective story.

2. serving to detect; detecting.

   various detective devices.

detective

/ dɪˈtɛktɪv /

noun

1. 1. a police officer who investigates crimes

   2. See private detective

   3. ( as modifier )

      a detective story

adjective

1. used in or serving for detection

2. serving to detect

Word History and Origins

Origin of detective¹

First recorded in 1830–40; detect + -ive

Example Sentences

Apart from “The Drowning Pool,” all these films are set in Los Angeles; “Drowning Pool” features Paul Newman as an L.A.-based detective tracking a case in Louisiana.

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The federal affidavit says authorities tapped Nania’s phones as detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department worked with FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents to unravel drug networks in the harbor area.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Williams, of Thornwood, Epping, was identified by detectives in footage wearing a Union Jack flag as a cape, the court heard.

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PBS’ ‘Maigret’ follows a long line of portrayals of the Parisian fictional detective created by Georges Simenon.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, as his grandparents and mum begin lengthy prison sentences for their roles in his death, detectives and investigators have spoken about the brutality of the case and the effect it had on everyone involved.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• agent 
• informer 
• police officer 
• private eye 
• private investigator 
• prosecutor 
• reporter 
• sleuth 
• spy