detective Definition
a person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and find out who is responsible for them.
Using detective: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "detective" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The detective was able to solve the case quickly.
Example
She works as a detective for the homicide division.
Example
The novel features a retired detective who is called back to solve one last case.
detective Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for detective
- investigator
- inspector
- sleuth
- private eye
- sherlock
Phrases with detective
Example
The detective work on the case was thorough and meticulous.
Example
Agatha Christie is known for her detective stories featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
detective novel
a novel in the detective fiction genre
Example
The detective novel was a bestseller, with readers eagerly trying to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
Origins of detective
from Latin 'detectus', meaning 'uncovered'
Summary: detective in Brief
A 'detective' [dɪˈtɛktɪv] is a person, often a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and determine who is responsible. The term spans contexts from real-life detectives to fictional ones, such as in 'detective stories' and 'detective novels.' 'Detective work' refers to the process of investigating a crime or mystery.
