private eye

noun

: private investigator

Synonyms of private eye

• detective
• investigator
• private detective
• private investigator

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The story revolves around private eye Raymond Gunn (Rockwell), who is drawn into a case involving murder and a multimedia star named Venus Nova, voiced by Johansson. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

That’s how John Sugar goes from conscientious private eye to would-be assassin. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026

There are vivid characters—the rich, distinguished crook Brandon, the platinum-blond secretary Miss Vermilyea; Javonen, ex-military intelligence, and seedy private eye from Kansas, Noble, who might have lurched out of an early Graham Greene story. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

With the Christmas action hit under his belt and the private eye dramedy’s cancellation in 1989, the actor moved into film work full-time. — Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for private eye

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify

Legal Definition

private eye

noun

: private investigator