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

As well as Harriet, 52, from London not revealing that she is a barrister, Amanda, 57, from Brighton, has chosen to hide being a retired police detective.

From BBC

The force said detectives were also "following up on other lines of enquiry" but were unable to go into detail to avoid hindering the investigation.

From BBC

Police detectives have not yet spoken to the ICE agent due to protocols on how deadly force investigations are conducted with federal law enforcement officers.

From Los Angeles Times

He said police detectives haven’t yet spoken with the agent involved to get his version of events due to protocols on how deadly force investigations are conducted with federal law enforcement officers.

From Los Angeles Times

The new crop of 22 players includes a former police detective and a crime novelist, as well as a mother and daughter keeping their connection a secret.

From BBC

Related Words

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