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

She said she could review the case now, based on evidence police handed over in 2019, or the family could wait until detectives have considered the "fresh" information they say they have found.

From BBC

The controversy over Lifetouch was caused by an army of amateur detectives looking for hidden links in the Epstein files.

From The Wall Street Journal

The force said "dozens of detectives, police officers and staff had been working" since the stabbings that took place at about 15:30 GMT on Wednesday.

From BBC

This means that while there may have been some discussions, CPS lawyers have not given detectives any formal advice about how to proceed with the investigation.

From BBC

Next, he would have been taken to an interview suite to be questioned under caution by senior detectives, though details of that encounter will only ever become public should Andrew be charged with an offence.

From BBC

Related Words

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