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

Its investigators, some of whom are former homicide detectives, started running the plates of vehicles that were photographed coming and going from the house.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Armed with a BB gun, Maldonado said he’d threatened to “f— with his business” if the man didn’t pay, the detective recalled.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in a case against a former Whittier detective accused of multiple counts of assault.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scott Munro, the president of the city’s detectives union, said his members were heartened to hear Tisch would remain in the job.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Speaking from an undisclosed location with his face hidden to protect his privacy, Mr Sullivan said he wanted an explanation for why detectives "picked me out".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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