de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv 
1
: fitted for or used in detecting something
had perfected his detective sensibilities
2
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective novel
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
a police detective
hired a private detective
Examples of detective in a Sentence
Adjective
We had to do some detective work to find out who used to own the property.
He enjoys reading detective novels.
Noun
She is a detective on the police force.
Detective Sgt. Lee is working on the case.
She hired a detective to follow her husband.
Recent Examples on the Web
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Ezra did his own showcasing when meeting with CBS LA, presenting his entire collection of toy police cars, his detective notebook and his beloved police hat.
—Lesley Marin, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Homicide detectives are investigating the case.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
In this bracing blend of memoir and detective story, Junod unearths secrets about his father.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Ezra did his own showcasing when meeting with CBS LA, presenting his entire collection of toy police cars, his detective notebook and his beloved police hat.
—Lesley Marin, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
According to Johnson, detectives also recovered text messages in which Spears allegedly discussed plans to rob Crowell.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Homicide detectives are investigating the case.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detective
1 of 2 adjective
de·tec·tive
di-ˈtek-tiv
: of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective story
detective
2 of 2 noun
: a person whose business is solving crimes and catching criminals or gathering information that is not easy to get
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