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inspectorate

American  
[in-spek-ter-it] / ɪnˈspɛk tər ɪt /

noun

  1. the office or function of an inspector.

  2. a body of inspectors.

  3. a district under an inspector.


inspectorate British  
/ ɪnˈspɛktərɪt /

noun

  1. the office, rank, or duties of an inspector

  2. a body of inspectors

  3. a district under an inspector

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inspectorate

First recorded in 1755–65; inspector + -ate 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

At primary school level, the situation has been described as "buoyant" overall by inspectorate Estyn, though filling Welsh medium places "is still a concern".

From BBC Mar. 22, 2026

And England's education inspectorate, Ofsted, will give tougher guidance to schools to reduce phone use - including telling staff not to use their devices for personal reasons in front of pupils.

From BBC Jan. 21, 2026

The police inspectorate has concluded the leaders of West Midlands Police fell foul of "confirmation bias".

From BBC Jan. 14, 2026

It was then considered by the planning inspectorate but in November 2025 the Welsh government confirmed it would not call the application in.

From BBC Jan. 7, 2026

I have written to the admiralty to account for my prolonged absence from England; and to Dr. Rink to acquaint him with the cause of my second visit to his inspectorate.

From In the Arctic Seas A Narrative of the Discovery of the Fate of Sir John Franklin and his Companions by McClintock, Francis Leopold

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