investigator

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tor in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce investigator (audio)
plural investigators
: one who investigates something: such as
a
: detective
a private investigator
Debra Winger plays the investigator who becomes fixated on identifying a killer …Margaret Rauch
b
: a person who conducts experiments or is involved in scientific studies for research
the lead investigator in a clinical trial
For dialect recording, it is best for the investigator to take down as full and accurate notes as possible without slowing down the pace of the interview.Ravin I. McDavid, Jr.

Examples of investigator in a Sentence

investigators who discovered new evidence that the universe was much older than had been previously estimated the investigator in charge of the case was touted as an expert at tracing stolen art
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At Diaz’s home, investigators reportedly found 90 rounds of ammunition. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025 Federal investigators are still trying to piece together the events that led to the fatal collision. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025 The series features inside access to case files and evidence, police interviews with the victims, and exclusive interviews with victims, police officers, investigators, and ABC News Contributor Matt Murphy, former homicide prosecutor assigned to Newport Beach, California. Sgt. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2025 Crash investigators are not blaming the air traffic controller directing the traffic, who advised the helicopter to be aware of the regional jet’s position in the area ahead of the crash. Chris Isidore, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for investigator 

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of investigator was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near investigator

Cite this Entry

“Investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigator. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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