Sleuth — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈslüth/

Meaning & Definition of Sleuth

Sleuth (noun)

  1. detective

Sleuth (verb)

  1. to act as a detective, search for information
  2. to search for and discover

Sleuth (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the popular TV sleuth lives a much more action-packed life than do his real-world counterparts"

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

Related Entry: Sleuthhound (noun)

Sleuthhound is a different word from Sleuth. The synonyms below are for sleuthhound, not for sleuth.

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

    "the fictional sleuthhound Miss Marple is notable for her age as well as for her understanding of human nature, both of them being rather advanced"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sleuth

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sleuth:

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

Related Words for Sleuth

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

Word Forms of Sleuth

Inflections: sleuthed, sleuthing, sleuths

Origin & Etymology of Sleuth

short for sleuthhound

First known use: 1872

Words & Phrases Containing Sleuth

sleuthhound

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleuth

What does "Sleuth" mean?

"Sleuth" means detective. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: detective.

What is another word for "Sleuth"?

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

What are different ways to say "Sleuth"?

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

How do you use "Sleuth" in a sentence?

Examples of "Sleuth" in a sentence: "the popular TV sleuth lives a much more action-packed life than do his real-world counterparts".

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

"Sleuth" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Sleuth"?

"Sleuth" is pronounced /ˈslüth/.

What is the origin of the word "Sleuth"?

"Sleuth" comes from short for sleuthhound. First known use: 1872.

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

When "Sleuth" (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.