private investigator
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of private investigator
First recorded in 1935–40
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.
Private investigator Thomas McNally sees no link between the disappearance of Melissa Casias and some 10 other missing or deceased scientists.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026
Private investigator Ted McDonough, who knew Geas, told The Boston Globe: "Freddy hated rats."
From Fox News • Oct. 31, 2018
Private investigator Garth Bruen can't reliably determine who owns and operates disturbing Web sites because of the cloak of anonymity enjoyed by many businesses online.
From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2013
Private investigator Salgado-Reyes says he believes most in the business are honest.
From Reuters • Jul. 20, 2011
Private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, working for the News of the World, allegedly hacked the phone of murdered girl Milly Dowler when she was missing.
From BBC • Jul. 5, 2011
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
