a detective who works for the federal government in the US, for example for the FBI
a special agent in the F.B.I.'s Newark, New Jersey, office
Special Agent Fox Mulder
special agent in American English
noun
1.
an investigator in a law enforcement agency
2.
an insurance sales representative
Word origin
[1830–40, Amer.]This word is first recorded in the period 1830–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: baby talk, format, isometric, orientation, rococo
Examples of 'special agent' in a sentence
special agent
They are engaged by Kenyan forces and US special agents.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
All that video game-style action must make for one hungry special agent.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
These have cemented an image of brooding, special-agent types.
The Sun (2014)
You're a special agent who sprints about avoiding baddies' laser beams and explosions to complete platform game levels.
The Sun (2012)
It included names, email addresses, many of them private, and job descriptions, such as task force deputy director, security specialist, special agent, and many more.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Does he have any ambitions that he hasn't yet fulfilled - perhaps that long-standing rumour of him playing a certain special agent 007?
The Sun (2016)
With the help of a helicopter rescue team and their 'rescue swimmer' the special agent fights her fears, her foes and the deathdealing dealer.
The Sun (2011)
Police, soldiers and special agents will remove any who refuse to leave.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
As he slipped into a side office to confirm the news, a large group of special agents and analysts gathered.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Longing for a simpler time, when special agents picked up their orders on reel-toreel tape players?