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Definition of detective

detective

/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
de · tec · tive
Plural:detectives
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detective Lexical Profile

detective Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person, especially a police officer or private investigator, whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes or gather hidden information.

Example

"The lead detective carefully examined the photographs from the crime scene."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for detective

• adjective

1

Serving to uncover, investigate, or solve crimes and mysteries; relating to detectives or their work.

Example

"She spent her weekend reading a classic detective novel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for detective

• Rhymes for detective

• Nearby Words

detectable
detectably
detection
detective
detector
detention
deter

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from the verb "detect" and the suffix "-ive" (originally in the phrase "detective police"), ultimately deriving from the Latin "detegere," meaning "to uncover" or "to expose."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Detective. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/detective
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