sleuth

American  

[slooth] / sluθ /

noun

1. a detective.

   Synonyms:

   shamus, gumshoe, private eye, private investigator, investigator

2. a bloodhound, a dog used for tracking.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to track or trail, as a detective.

sleuth British  

/ sluːθ /

noun

1. an informal word for detective

2. short for sleuthhound

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verb

1. (tr) to track or follow

Other Word Forms

• sleuthlike adjective
• supersleuth noun

Etymology

Origin of sleuth

First recorded in 1875–80; short for sleuthhound

Example Sentences

Online sleuths poring over government files have drawn a tenuous connection between the 90-year-old company and Leon Black, the former CEO of its private-equity owner, Apollo Global Management.

From The Wall Street Journal

This has become a common — and increasingly controversial — side of high-profile crime investigations: armies of amateur sleuths descending into a community and creating friction with police.

From Los Angeles Times

Internet sleuths and commentators have speculated widely on the case, and pointed fingers at members of the family in the process.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some sleuths have resorted to studying body language as they try to pierce the veil of secrecy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Williams is just one of dozens of curious observers and amateur sleuths who have descended on the area.

From BBC

Related Words

• gumshoe
• private detective
• private eye