Private eye — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun

Meaning & Definition of Private eye

Private eye (noun)

  1. private investigator

Private eye (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons

    "unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter"

    similar: detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private investigator, shamus (slang), sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound
    related: shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc (slang), plainclothesman

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Private eye

The most common words with a similar meaning to Private eye:

Slang: shamus
detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private investigator, sherlock, sleuth, sleuthhound

Related Words for Private eye

shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man, narc, plainclothesman

Origin & Etymology of Private eye

First known use: 1938

Frequently Asked Questions about Private eye

What does "Private eye" mean?

"Private eye" means private investigator. As a noun, it is defined as: private investigator.

What is another word for "Private eye"?

Other words for "Private eye" include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective and private investigator. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Private eye" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Private eye"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Private eye". Common alternatives include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private investigator, shamus and sherlock.

How do you use "Private eye" in a sentence?

Examples of "Private eye" in a sentence: "unable to get the interest of the police, they hired a private eye to find their missing daughter".

Is "Private eye" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Private eye" is a noun.

What is the origin of the word "Private eye"?

First known use: 1938.

What is another word for "Private eye" meaning "a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons"?

When "Private eye" (noun) means a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons, synonyms include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator and operative.

What words are related to "Private eye"?

Words related to "Private eye" include shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man and narc.