Sherlock — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈshər-ˌläk/ sher·lock

Meaning & Definition of Sherlock

Sherlock (noun)

  1. detective

Sherlock (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "one of literature's most eccentric sherlocks, Nero Wolfe manages to solve mysteries without so much as leaving the confines of his own home"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sherlock

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sherlock:

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

Related Words for Sherlock

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

Origin & Etymology of Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes, detective in stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

First known use: 1903

Frequently Asked Questions about Sherlock

What does "Sherlock" mean?

"Sherlock" means detective. As a noun, it is defined as: detective.

What is another word for "Sherlock"?

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

What are different ways to say "Sherlock"?

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

How do you use "Sherlock" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sherlock" in a sentence: "one of literature's most eccentric sherlocks, Nero Wolfe manages to solve mysteries without so much as leaving the confines of his own home".

Is "Sherlock" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sherlock" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Sherlock"?

"Sherlock" is pronounced /ˈshər-ˌläk/ and divided into syllables as sher·lock.

What is the origin of the word "Sherlock"?

"Sherlock" comes from Sherlock Holmes, detective in stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. First known use: 1903.

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

When "Sherlock" (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.