gumshoe

American  

[guhm-shoo] / ˈgʌmˌʃu /

noun

1. Slang. a detective.

2. a shoe made of gum elastic or India rubber; rubber overshoe.

3. sneaker.

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verb (used without object)

gumshoed, gumshoeing

1. Slang.

   1. to work as a detective.

   2. to go softly, as if wearing rubber shoes; move or act snoopily or stealthily.

gumshoe British  

/ ˈɡʌmˌʃuː /

noun

1. a waterproof overshoe

2. a rubber-soled shoe

3. slang a detective or one who moves about stealthily

4. slang a stealthy action or movement

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verb

1. slang (intr) to act stealthily

Etymology

Origin of gumshoe

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; gum ¹ + shoe

Example Sentences

This year, she’s vying for lead actress in a comedy for her performance as an eccentric gumshoe on the Netflix whodunit “The Residence.”

From Los Angeles Times

The play, which premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in 2022, brings audiences viscerally into the gumshoe work of archivists and researchers who authenticate, clarify and preserve artifacts of history.

From Los Angeles Times

After 25 years, a family will be reunited with their missing relative thanks to a USA Today article and gumshoe police work.

From Los Angeles Times

In that kitchen in 2011, the gumshoe/driving instructor and the attorney/mom forged a partnership.

From Seattle Times

“Murder Mystery 2” picks up where the first film left off, with Nick and Audrey having parlayed their crime-solving success into a career as professional gumshoes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• detective
• sleuth