detective

US /dɪˈtɛktɪv/

UK /dɪˈtektɪv/

A2

noun

  • Person who investigates and solves crimes
  • A person, often a member of a police force, whose job is to investigate crimes and gather evidence.
  • A police officer of relatively high rank.

adjective

  • Relating to the detection of crime.
  • Relating to the detection of crime.

Examples

We are going to have to do some detective work on this.

The store detective was keeping a close eye on a suspected shoplifter.