metal detector
noun
plural metal detectors
: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as
a
: 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
Jeffrey SteingartenOnce inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.—Richard Zoglin
Richard Zoglin
b
: 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
Time for KidsExamples of metal detector in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Men and women congregated separately inside the Grand Mosalla after being checked by metal detectors and body searches.
—
Nasser Karimi,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Her suitor, Arnold, brings a full-size metal detector to comb the beach in Greece for treasure.
—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The South Side Street Fest added additional metal detectors and ID scanners, plus a dedicated line for locals, to help people get in faster after long lines were reported for the event's first outing last weekend.
—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Reher-Langberg said that, over the last three decades, people with metal detectors had unearthed several silver coins in the area.
—
James Brooks,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
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Nasser Karimi,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Her suitor, Arnold, brings a full-size metal detector to comb the beach in Greece for treasure.
—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
The South Side Street Fest added additional metal detectors and ID scanners, plus a dedicated line for locals, to help people get in faster after long lines were reported for the event's first outing last weekend.
—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Reher-Langberg said that, over the last three decades, people with metal detectors had unearthed several silver coins in the area.
—
James Brooks,
Fortune,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
Cite this Entry
“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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