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

Former FBI special agent Jeff Kroeger told the BBC: "This is exactly what the Secret Service is trained do to."

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Davis and Vandervelden were joined Tuesday by a special agent from the criminal investigations unit of Pirro’s office, Matthew Fox-Moles, according to the letter reviewed by the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 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

The IRS provided 1,771, which out of a total special agent population of about 2,100, means about 84 percent of its agent workforce was detailed to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 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