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.
By the second callback inspection, the rodents had left, the inspector saw no poop pellets and Seph reopened. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Additionally, health inspectors cited 10 eateries after finding health food violations from improperly thawing shrimp to mold-like residue on an ice machine. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Instead, as is typical under state regulations, the inspector relied on safety and testing data provided by Six Flags that showed X2 had once again met safety standards adopted by the state. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 The couple was ready to back out, but the contractor promised to repair the damage at no extra cost, and an inspector said that Pinky’s bones were still good. — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 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 2 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inspector

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inspector

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