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

Explanation

Whether it's a police detective who investigates crimes or a private detective hired to find a missing person, a detective is someone whose job is to find out hard-to-get information. Detective comes from the Latin root detectus meaning to uncover or expose. Detectives detect, or discern and uncover the truth, the way a dog might detect an odor and uncover a bone. Sherlock Holmes, perhaps the most famous detective in fiction, used disguises, deductive reasoning and forensics to solve crimes. "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth," he famously said.

Example Sentences

Two detective constables are also being investigated at misconduct level.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Yet the Metropolitan Police’s lead detective, Mr. Keefe writes, seemed “maddeningly incurious.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

He said the deputy was a detective with the department and had responded to calls for help from officers who were serving an eviction notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Ford, the original detective, had interviewed Hatley not long after Cynthia’s death.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

George wrote their detective files on Nancy's computer.

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene

Related Words

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