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
Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Each pilgrim’s tale is told in a distinct narrative style, ranging from detective noir to tragic romance to theological inquiry.
—Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Investigators linked Gaff to the 1984 murder of Weaver after detectives with the Everett Police Department visited his home while claiming to be researchers working within the gum industry and inviting him to try a free sample, USA Today reported.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detective
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Stiles believes Coltrane is linked to the death of his detective trainee.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Each pilgrim’s tale is told in a distinct narrative style, ranging from detective noir to tragic romance to theological inquiry.
—Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Noun
Mark Fuhrman was the lead case detective in the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Investigators linked Gaff to the 1984 murder of Weaver after detectives with the Everett Police Department visited his home while claiming to be researchers working within the gum industry and inviting him to try a free sample, USA Today reported.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 18 May 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 21 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
