detective

American  

[dih-tek-tiv] / dɪˈtɛk tɪv /

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.

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adjective

1. of or relating to detection or detectives.

   a detective story.

2. serving to detect; detecting.

   various detective devices.

detective British  

/ dɪˈtɛktɪv /

noun

1. 1. a police officer who investigates crimes

   2. See private detective

   3. ( as modifier )

      a detective story

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adjective

1. used in or serving for detection

2. serving to detect

Etymology

Origin of detective

First recorded in 1830–40; detect + -ive

Example Sentences

Had five students done what a veteran homicide detective had failed to do more than 30 years earlier?

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Ortiz says an Arlington police detective called him and asked what fingernail polish Cynthia had been wearing when she disappeared.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The detective later told Tamasi not to send any of the DNA swabs for testing, she said in her deposition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The entertainment was provided by comedian Bob Hope and actor, Telly Savalas, best known for playing the lollipop-loving, TV detective, Kojak.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

I learned later that Mrs. Thayer sat down with this third man of her Future at his detective agency, and she provided a full confession about her lover’s wicked deed.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

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