private investigator

noun

: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (such as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)

Examples of private investigator in a Sentence

She hired a private investigator to follow her husband. the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator
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.
Many now have cameras, hire private investigators and offer cash rewards to try to catch the thieves. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 There was a bigger focus on Marissa in The Good Fight, with Steele holding a series regular role on the drama series as the firm’s private investigator. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2025 Maislin hired a private investigator to find out who had hit the young firefighter. Otto Rabe, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025 In September 2025, Cecilie Fjellhøy teamed up with private investigator Brianne Joseph to uncover other romance scams in Netflix's Love Con Revenge. Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for private investigator

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of private investigator was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Private investigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20investigator. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

private investigator

noun
: a person who does detective work and is not a member of a police force

Legal Definition

private investigator

noun
: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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