private detective
noun
a detective who is not a member of an official force but is employed by private parties.
Also called
private investigator.
Origin of private detective
First recorded in 1865–70
Words nearby private detective
private,
private bar,
private bill,
private brand,
private company,
private detective,
private duty nurse,
private enterprise,
private equity,
private equity fund,
private eye
British Dictionary definitions for private detective
private detective
noun
an individual privately employed to investigate a crime, keep watch on a suspected person, or make other inquiries
Also called: private investigator