English Reference

Word

dee

Phoneticsdee

/ˈdi/

Definitions

01the letter D

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the name of the letter 'D' or 'd' when you say it out loud.

n. the phonetic name for the fourth letter of the Latin alphabet.

“The word 'dog' starts with a dee.”

“The child carefully traced the curve of the uppercase dee, ensuring the vertical stroke was perfectly straight.”

02a D-shaped object

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. an object that has the shape of the letter 'D'.

n. an object or component, such as a ring or a lock, characterized by a D-shaped profile.

“He attached the strap to the metal dee on his backpack.”

“The harness was reinforced with heavy-duty steel dees to ensure the safety of the climber during the ascent.”

03a detective

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Slang

n. a slang word for a police detective.

n. a slang term for a detective, often used in urban or criminal contexts.

“The street dealers vanished as soon as they spotted the dees.”

“The informant was hesitant to speak, fearing that the dees were monitoring the phone booth from a distance.”

Synonyms

detectiveinvestigatorcop

Idioms

01. Miller of Dee

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C2 · Proficiency
Updated

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