noun
Pinkerton
PIHNG-kuh-tuhn
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.”
noun
1
A private investigator or security agent, especially one historically employed to break strikes or guard property.
"The mine owners hired Pinkertons to stand guard during the strike."
"Old newspapers described the Pinkertons as ruthless enforcers for hire."
How to use Pinkerton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hired private detective or security guard, from the famous 19th-century agency.
Common pairings
hire Pinkertons
a Pinkerton agent
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Word forms
- Plural
- Pinkertons
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.
Class of 1819
Pinkerton joined the language around 1819.
See the full Class of 1819 →
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.
