metal detector

noun

plural metal detectors

: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as

: a security device that scans individuals for dangerous objects (such as weapons)

I boarded the plane armed with several frying thermometers, which set off the metal detector …—

Jeffrey Steingarten

Once inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.—

Richard Zoglin

: a handheld apparatus that uses electrical induction (see induction sense 4c) to detect the presence of metallic objects (such as coins or jewelry) buried a short distance underground

A local man using a metal detector stumbled upon the site last March. He found two copper brooches, or pins, measuring four inches across.—

Time for Kids

Examples of metal detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The investigators often use metal detectors and magnifying glasses or even binoculars to help with their search. —

Adiel Kaplan, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025 Security will examine your bags and direct you through the metal detector. —

Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024 And anyone coming into that area goes through a metal detector, Mr. Corey said. —

Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 There are no metal detectors, but Wiers said the school has other security measures, including cameras. —

Kc Baker, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metal detector

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of metal detector was in 1880

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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