gumshoe
6 synonyms for gumshoe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A private detective (originally so called because rubber-soled shoes let them move quietly).
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From gum (rubber) + shoe — rubber-soled shoes were associated with detectives who could move about unheard.
Full origin of gumshoe →Frequently asked questions
What does “gumshoe” mean?
The word “gumshoe” means a private detective (originally so called because rubber-soled shoes let them move quietly). In plain terms, an old slang word for a private detective, from the quiet rubber shoes they supposedly wore.
How do you pronounce “gumshoe”?
“Gumshoe” is pronounced GUHM-shoo (/ˈɡʌm.ʃuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “gumshoe” in a sentence?
Here is “gumshoe” used in a sentence: “The gumshoe followed the suspect for three blocks without being noticed.”
What part of speech is “gumshoe”?
Depending on how it is used, “gumshoe” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “gumshoe” have?
“Gumshoe” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a private detective (originally so called because rubber-soled shoes let them move quietly).
