Sleuth

/sluːθ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A detective or investigator.

The sleuth followed the clues meticulously to solve the mystery.

A person who investigates crimes or gathers information, often in a discreet manner.

The private sleuth was hired to dig up dirt on the corrupt politician.

verb

To search for information or investigate, often in a secretive manner.

She decided to sleuth around the neighborhood to find out who had been making the strange noises at night.

To act like a detective, especially in trying to discover something.

He sleuthed through old records to find details about his family's history.

From the Scottish word 'sleuth-hound', a type of dog used in tracking.

sleuthing around

To search for information in a secretive or stealthy manner.

private sleuth

A detective who works independently rather than for a police force.

investigate

To carry out research or inquiries to discover facts.

detective

A person whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes.

A person who is overly curious or prying into others' affairs.

Stop being such a sleuth, you're not in a detective movie!

To act in a secretive manner to find out information.

He sleuthed around the office to find out who was getting promoted.