shamus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Have the world-weary shamus and the former Aztec capital lost their noir juju?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2025

Dashiell Hammett’s detective Sam Spade did his shamus business in the fogs of San Francisco, but Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe made L.A. the noir capital.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2022

And as the Honolulu-based shamus Thomas Magnum, a journeyman actor named Tom Selleck made himself a star on the strength of a twinkling smile and a modest gift for self-deprecating humor.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2018

K does his grim job thoroughly and without complaint, showing the weary, cynical patience of an old-time shamus.

From New York Times • Oct. 2, 2017

I've got friends in PIB—real friends, not the shamus crowd you're acquainted with that'll take you for your last nickel and then leave you to starve.

From Bear Trap by Nourse, Alan Edward