shamus
shamus · shamuses · shami
A private detective; originally, a policeman or police detectiveA private detective; originally, a policeman or police detective.
/ˈʃɑːməs/
» He's a shamus.
Meaning
1 senses(US, slang)A private detective; originally, a policeman or police detective.
More definitions
- someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information and assist in criminal investigations
Examples
1 sentencesHe's a shamus.
Origin
Said to be from the Irish name Séamus, on account of many American police officers being oSaid to be from the Irish name Séamus, on account of many American police officers being of Irish descent.
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Forms
plural: shamuses / shamiSynonyms
6 synonymsClose in meaning
- someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information and assist in criminal investigations:private detectivePIprivate eyeprivate investigatoroperativesherlock
Lessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Plural nouns — Because its plural is irregular