inspector

noun

in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
Synonyms of inspectornext
1
: a person employed to inspect something
2
a
: a police officer who is in charge of usually several precincts and ranks below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
b
: a person appointed to oversee a polling place
inspectorship
in-ˈspek-tər-ˌship How to pronounce inspector (audio)
noun

Examples of inspector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The inspector spotted four live roaches inside the cookline paper towel dispenser. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Health inspectors cited the Elk Grove barbecue eatery after finding the kitchen hand sink without soap or paper towels. — Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 State ecology inspectors were notified about the September 2017 methyl mercaptan release, saying in emails that a private citizen was hospitalized as a result of exposure to the material. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Since the area is currently under the jurisdiction of the BLM, an inspector from the federal government could technically come to Eagle and render the land in the Foothills unsafe for public use. — Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspector

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspector was in 1602

Phrases Containing inspector

Rhymes for inspector

See All Rhymes for inspector

Browse Nearby Words

inspective
inspector
inspectorate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspector. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor in-ˈspek-tər How to pronounce inspector (audio)
1
: a person who makes inspections
meat inspector
2
: a police officer ranking just below a superintendent or deputy superintendent
inspectorship
-ˌship How to pronounce inspector (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

inspector

noun
in·​spec·​tor
1
: a person employed or authorized to inspect something
2
: a police officer in charge of a number of precincts and ranking below a superintendent or deputy superintendent

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