Sleuth: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal context or when referring to someone who is investigating in a more casual or amateur capacity. It can also be used humorously.

• The children decided to play sleuth and find out who took the cookies
• As a keen sleuth, Jane spent hours trying to solve the neighborhood mystery

When referring to a law enforcement professional or someone employed to investigate crimes. Often used in fiction, movies, and TV shows.

• The detective examined the crime scene for clues
• She works as a detective in the police department

A broad term that can be used in both professional and informal settings. It applies to anyone who investigates, not necessarily related to crime. It includes private investigators, corporate investigators, and others.

• The insurance company hired an investigator to look into the claim
• As a private investigator, she handled everything from infidelity cases to missing persons

A formal title in many police forces, usually referring to a higher rank with supervisory responsibilities. Often used in official or professional contexts.

• Inspector Smith was assigned to the high-profile murder case
• The inspector conducted a thorough review of the evidence

Used in informal or literary contexts to describe someone who investigates mysteries or crimes, often with a sense of adventure.

• The amateur sleuth solved the case before the police did.
• She enjoyed reading books about famous sleuths.

Appropriate for formal discussions or references to professionals in law enforcement who investigate crimes.

• The detective gathered all the evidence from the crime scene.
• She wanted to become a detective when she grew up.

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts for someone who systematically examines and gathers information, not necessarily limited to crime but can include various types of inquiries.

• The investigator looked into the financial fraud case.
• Private investigators often help with missing person cases.

Typically used in an informal and sometimes playful manner, often referencing the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. Can also be used sarcastically.

• Well done, Sherlock, you found the missing keys!
• She thought of herself as the Sherlock of the office, always solving problems.