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

This semi-comedic and definitely cozy amateur sleuth series is perfect multigenerational viewing.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

There the nun discovers her own inner sleuth, and unexpectedly finds joy in life outside the cloister.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

As Jessica Fletcher, the mystery-writing amateur sleuth in “Murder, She Wrote,” Lansbury never prejudges.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

And a few moments of self-doubt for our seemingly infallible sleuth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

“She hid…her fear because she knows I’m a tremendous sleuth and would immediately uncover everything.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• gumshoe
• private detective
• private eye