inspector

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

inspectorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

in·​spec·​tor·​ship ə̇nzˈpektə(r)ˌship How to pronounce inspectorship (audio)
ə̇nˈsp-
: the status or position of an inspector
obtained his inspectorship at 35

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.
Noun
Padilla said postal inspectors intercepted a suspicious parcel addressed to his office, according to reports. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Inspection records show the coaster passed its most recent annual inspection in March, though an inspector noted that bushings needed to be replaced. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Health inspectors observed an employee washing their hands with only water. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Parents checking into a hotel with little ones in tow may think to wipe down the TV remote first, but research and inspector practices point to a few other surfaces worth a quick look at check-in. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspector

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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 20 Oct. 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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