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

Through some ingenious sleuthing, Mr. Tuck discovers that on Aug. 24, A.D.

From The Wall Street Journal

The investigation became a national sensation, with videos produced by true crime sleuths racking up thousands of views on TikTok and Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite previous sleuthing success, Gabriel is a reluctant detective.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the technology improves, these artifacts disappear, giving them “greater potential to mislead would-be sleuths seeking to uncover AI-generated fakes,” the Brennan Center noted.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gumshoe
• private detective
• private eye