person of interest

noun phrase

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested

Examples of person of interest 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.
Defense protests aside, Davis was considered a person of interest in the Shakur case almost from the start. — John L. Smith, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 Combs has repeatedly denied any involvement in Shakur's killing and has never been named by investigators as a suspect or even a person of interest in the case. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Police said homicide detectives were called to the scene and a person of interest was detained. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 The person of interest is a man, possibly Hispanic or mixed race, 40 to 50 years old with a medium complexion who is tall in stature but has a thin build. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for person of interest

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of person of interest was in 1937

Rhymes for person of interest

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Browse Nearby Words

person of inherence
person of interest
person-to-person
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Cite this Entry

“Person of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/person%20of%20interest. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

person of interest

: a person who is believed to be possibly involved in a crime but has not been charged or arrested
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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