sleuth

[slooth]

noun

1. a detective.

   Synonyms: shamus, gumshoe, private eye, private investigator, investigator

2. a bloodhound, a dog used for tracking.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to track or trail, as a detective.

sleuth

/ sluːθ /

noun

1. an informal word for detective

2. short for sleuthhound

verb

1. (tr) to track or follow

Other Word Forms

• sleuthlike adjective
• supersleuth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleuth¹

First recorded in 1875–80; short for sleuthhound

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleuth¹

C19: short for sleuthhound, from C12 sleuth trail, from Old Norse sloth; see _slot ²

Example Sentences

“Like a Sherlock Holmes sleuth,” he said, “you’ve got to crack it.”

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“Can You Solve the Murder?” also offers a neat bonus for savvy crime-solvers—a detective scoring system that awards keen “sleuthing skills” and diligent notetaking.

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But she’s a reluctant sleuth in a knotty case with a head full of noise and a shaky hand on the lighter.

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But it doesn’t take a sleuth to understand the underlying dynamic.

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She remains hopeful Melodee will be found safely, and tries to ignore the online trolls and internet crime sleuths who claim the girl is already dead.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gumshoe 
• private detective 
• private eye