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

In a scenario straight out of Dashiell Hammett’s early stories, a detective agency operative named Hicks McTaggart gets an assignment to chase down the runaway heiress to a major cheese fortune.

From Los Angeles Times

To make that understandable and realistic for the reader, I’ve interviewed many British police professionals, from detectives to press officers to constables on the street.

From Los Angeles Times

The move was recommended by the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel report, which looked at the force's handling of the unsolved murder of private detective Daniel Morgan.

From BBC

Carroll's significance was later highlighted in court when it emerged detectives investigating the shooting had compiled a list of 99 potential suspects.

From BBC

He alerted Los Angeles police detectives to his concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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