Dictionary
1detective
adjective de·tec·tive \di-ˈtek-tiv\
: done in order to find out hidden or unknown information
: of or relating to crimes and detectives
Full Definition of DETECTIVE
1
: fitted for or used in detecting something <had perfected his detective sensibilities>
2
: of or relating to detectives or their work <a detective novel>
— de·tec·tive·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See detective defined for English-language learners
See detective defined for kids
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First Known Use of DETECTIVE
1732
Rhymes with DETECTIVE
2detective
noun
: a police officer whose job is to find information about crimes that have occurred and to catch criminals
: a person whose job is to find information about something or someone
Full Definition of DETECTIVE
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible
See detective defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DETECTIVE
1849
Related to DETECTIVE
- Synonyms
- dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, private investigator, shamus [slang], sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound
DETECTIVE Defined for Kids
detective
noun de·tec·tive \di-ˈtek-tiv\
Definition of DETECTIVE for Kids
1
: a police officerwho investigates crimes and catches criminals
2
: a person whose job is to find information about someone or something
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