special agent

American  

noun

1. an investigator in a law enforcement agency.

2. an insurance sales representative.

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Etymology

Origin of special agent

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

“We have a character-driven procedural which, when we started, this kind of a show was not really a thing,” says Sean Murray, who has played special agent Timothy McGee since the first season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Patel has shown up to events in hooded sweatshirts and sneakers and sometimes wears a badge despite not being a special agent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

FBI special agent Alex Doran said earlier Sunday that a motive for the attack was not known but "there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism."

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

At the start of the hearing on Wednesday, FBI special agent Todd Tunstall told the court the alleged confession was originally obtained by Scottish investigators, who handed a copy to the United States in 2017.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Tom was a dedicated family man, but like his father he was attracted to the darkness, and in 1917 he took the oath to become a special agent of the Bureau of Investigation.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann