detective

[ dih-tek-tiv ]
/ dɪˈtɛk tɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR detective ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.

adjective

of or relating to detection or detectives: a detective story.
serving to detect; detecting: various detective devices.

Origin of detective

First recorded in 1830–40; detect + -ive

Words nearby detective

detain, detainee, detainer, detect, detection, detective, detector, detectorist, detent, detention, detention camp

Words related to detective

sleuth, reporter, agent, spy, informer, prosecutor, fink, eye, snoop, tail, scout, bull, shadow, analyst, cop, eavesdropper, constable, gumshoe, dick, fed

Example sentences from the Web for detective

British Dictionary definitions for detective

detective
/ (dɪˈtɛktɪv) /

noun

  1. a police officer who investigates crimes
  2. See private detective
  3. (as modifier)a detective story

adjective

used in or serving for detection
serving to detect