Pinkerton
Pinkerton (noun) means a private investigator or security agent, especially one historically employed to break strikes or guard property. Example: “The mine owners hired Pinkertons to stand guard during the strike.”
How to use Pinkerton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hired private detective or security guard, from the famous 19th-century agency.
Word forms
Pinkertons plural, Pinkertons plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mine owners hired _____ to stand guard during the strike.
Etymology
Named after Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884), the Scottish-American detective who founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago.
Rhymes for Pinkerton
See all rhymes for Pinkerton →Frequently asked questions
What does “Pinkerton” mean?
The word “Pinkerton” means a private investigator or security agent, especially one historically employed to break strikes or guard property. In plain terms, a hired private detective or security guard, from the famous 19th-century agency.
How do you pronounce “Pinkerton”?
“Pinkerton” is pronounced PIHNG-kuh-tuhn (/ˈpɪŋkɚtən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Pinkerton” in a sentence?
Here is “Pinkerton” used in a sentence: “The mine owners hired Pinkertons to stand guard during the strike.”
What part of speech is “Pinkerton”?
“Pinkerton” is a noun.
Where does the word “Pinkerton” come from?
The word “Pinkerton” dates back to around 1819. Named after Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884), the Scottish-American detective who founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago.