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
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
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
This season, Wednesday has taken on more of a detective role.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Aduba, 44, played famous detective Cordelia Cupp, who was determined to solve an unexpected murder at the White House, in The Residence.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
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Adjective
Some fans even put on their detective hats to crack the code of how old Pierre’s son is.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
This season, Wednesday has taken on more of a detective role.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
Reigle and her team tested about a dozen formulations and viscosities, playing detective to figure out where a whole host of issues was coming from.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Aduba, 44, played famous detective Cordelia Cupp, who was determined to solve an unexpected murder at the White House, in The Residence.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detective
Cite this Entry
“Detective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detective. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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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