sleuth

/sluθ/

/sluθ/

Other forms: sleuths; sleuthing; sleuthed

Sleuth is a fun, sometimes playful, word for "detective." As a verb, it's also what a detective does. When you seek clues, you sleuth. You, sleuth, you!

The word sleuth comes from the Old Norse sloth, meaning "trail" and sleuthing is following a trail. One type of bloodhound skilled at following trails is called a sleuthhound, and that word was shortened to sleuth in the late 19th Century, referring to an investigator. As an amateur sleuth, you caught the robber dressed as a mummy before the police did. He would have escaped if not for you, you meddling sleuth!

Definitions of sleuth

1. noun

   a detective who follows a trail
   synonyms: sleuthhound

   type of:

   detective

   an investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public
2. verb

   watch, observe, or inquire secretly
   synonyms: snoop, spy, stag

   type of:

   monitor, supervise

   keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance