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Synonyms

private investigator

American  

noun

private investigators plural
  1. private detective. PI, p.i., P.I.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of private investigator

First recorded in 1935–40

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.

See Examples For:

"When I was growing up, I dreamed about becoming a private investigator," she said.

From Science Daily Jul. 16, 2026

His friends hired a private investigator and hung fliers begging him to come back.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 12, 2026

One of those paid, the private investigator Gavin Burrows, seemed to have entered two statements.

From BBC Jul. 8, 2026

To the side stood private investigator Carmelo Castañeda.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 17, 2026

White learned of the statement that private investigator No. 28 had obtained from the Kaw Indian woman, in which Rose had confessed to being the murderer.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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