private detective

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Claude, meanwhile, having left the police to become a private detective, is obsessed with solving a string of related wartime murders, including that of Huguette’s father.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

She said a private detective hired by the family found no criminal records for a person named Paramjit Singh in the state, suggesting authorities may have mistaken him for someone else.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2025

He even hired a private detective, though he was disappointed with the man’s effort.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

When Kirby accepted the role of Ruby — a Bondish M-meets-Q foil to a Los Angeles private detective played by Colin Farrell — in the Apple TV+ series “Sugar,” she found herself among kindred spirits.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2024

Hale recruited a brooding private detective from Kansas City, who went by the name of Pike.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann