gumshoe Definition
a detective, especially one who is a plainclothes police officer.
Using gumshoe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gumshoe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The gumshoe followed the suspect to the warehouse.
Example
He worked as a gumshoe for many years before retiring.
Example
The novel's protagonist is a gumshoe investigating a murder case.
gumshoe Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for gumshoe
- detective
- investigator
- sleuth
- private eye
- sherlock
Phrases with gumshoe
journalism that involves investigative reporting, often exposing corruption or scandal
Example
The newspaper's gumshoe journalism led to the resignation of a corrupt politician.
Example
The detectives spent weeks doing gumshoe work, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
gumshoe techniques
investigative methods used by detectives, such as tailing suspects or searching for clues
Example
The detective used gumshoe techniques to solve the case.
Origins of gumshoe
from gum, meaning 'rubber', and shoe, meaning 'footwear'
Summary: gumshoe in Brief
The term 'gumshoe' [guhm-shoo] refers to a detective, especially one who is a plainclothes police officer. It is often used in the context of crime fiction and investigative work, exemplified by 'The gumshoe followed the suspect to the warehouse.' 'Gumshoe' extends into phrases like 'gumshoe journalism,' denoting investigative reporting, and 'gumshoe work,' implying tedious investigative tasks.
