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
Security officers and metal detectors on the first floor protect state officials in the tower, which also houses offices for several state agencies.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The skirts that passed muster would be put through a metal detector—to insure that there were no stray needles—then folded, packed, and shipped out to the port on trucks.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
And heightened security measures – whether widespread bag checks in places where nearly everyone is carrying a bag or the use of metal detectors – slow that down.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Walker said his group typically holds events in auditoriums, not outdoors, and may start using metal detectors.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
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Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The skirts that passed muster would be put through a metal detector—to insure that there were no stray needles—then folded, packed, and shipped out to the port on trucks.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
And heightened security measures – whether widespread bag checks in places where nearly everyone is carrying a bag or the use of metal detectors – slow that down.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Walker said his group typically holds events in auditoriums, not outdoors, and may start using metal detectors.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
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 21 Sep. 2025.
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