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

They show the arrival of Alan Jones, the lead detective on call that night.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wiser and more practical than those around her, Maomao is able to play forensic detective, prevent assassination attempts, suss out political intrigue, resist an amorous eunuch and even ingest bits of poison safely.

From Salon

Agatha agrees: “We may not be real detectives, but no one can match us for solving puzzles.”

From The Wall Street Journal

For this one, first of all, it is a little closer to actually a traditional detective structure.

From Los Angeles Times

His father Rod Rose, a serving detective chief inspector with the force at the time, helped Theo lodge a complaint with its professional standards department.

From BBC

Related Words

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