# sleuth

/ˈsɫuθ/ (US) · /slˈuːθ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sleuth
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a detective who solves crimes by looking for clues, often in books, films, or stories.

For teachers: a private investigator or detective, especially one who solves crimes through careful observation and deduction.

## Examples

- The young sleuth finds clues in the old house.
- The amateur sleuth spends her weekends reviewing cold cases at the local library.
- The weary sleuth pieced together decades-old letters, train tickets, and photographs to finally identify the missing heir.

## Synonyms

detective, investigator

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.