private investigator

noun

1. private detective. : PI, p.i., P.I.

Word History and Origins

Origin of private investigator¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The NFL told Snyder to “back off” after the owner’s private investigators rattled former employees by approaching them at their homes or over the phone.

From Washington Post

Two prominent Maryland lawyers and a private investigator have been charged with conspiring to block a federal investigation into money laundering connected to a sprawling drug operation.

From Washington Post

Boice founded Trustify in 2015, saying he was inspired by his own divorce to start a company that would rent out private investigators via cellphone at low rates.

From Washington Post

When he was younger, Wilson worked as a private investigator, and his output has a voyeuristic undercurrent.

From Ars Technica

A couple of the private investigators we hired said, “Everyone can be located.”

From Vox

Fama now has a private investigator who says he is actively working the case.

From The Daily Beast

The message came from a transcript of micro-cassettes recovered from private investigator Gleen Mulcaire's home.

From The Daily Beast

Rowe spent his last years working as a private investigator in Savannah, Georgia.

From The Daily Beast

Others, like Los Angeles private investigator Jan Tucker, suspect Dorner may be getting help.

From The Daily Beast

The university then hired a private investigator, whose findings were shared with the family on Jan. 5.

From The Daily Beast

All a private investigator needed was one good break like this, and he was made.

From Project Gutenberg

I took the liberty of having a private investigator check into your background.

From Project Gutenberg

Luciferous Warniferous, the world's great private investigator.

From Project Gutenberg

She has put the matter in the hands of a private investigator.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inquiry agent
• P.I.
• private detective
• private dick
• private eye
• private investigator
• sleuth