detection

noun

de·​tec·​tion di-ˈtek-shən 

1

: the act of detecting : the state or fact of being detected

2

: the process of demodulating

Synonyms of detection

• discovery

Examples of detection in a Sentence

I don't know how the errors managed to avoid detection for so long.

my detection of the scent of baked apple pie led me to the kitchen

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2022, similar detection work resulted in NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which slammed the DART spacecraft into the small asteroid Dimorphos orbiting the larger asteroid Didymos, changing the orbits of both child and parent around the sun. —New Atlas, 10 May 2026

Success at tests like puzzles and mazes, which appeared to Washburn to be the result of reasoning, or insight—observation and detection—Thorndike insisted was instead merely the result of blundering, repetition, and trial and error. —Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

Her dog, Indy, underwent three months of training before becoming AWDA-certified in mold detection. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026

Humble beginnings Menjívar arrived undocumented in the United States at age 18, fleeing a bloody civil war in El Salvador, stowed away in a car to avoid detection at the border. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detection

• escape detection
• evade detection

Rhymes for detection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction