detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
detected; detecting; detects

transitive verb

1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective
detectability noun
detectable adjective

Examples of detect in a Sentence

The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood. This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
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.
In a study, 13 of 22 shipments detected Microsporidia and the ladybug parasitoid, Dinocampus coccineliae, was found in beetles from all shipments. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025 The waves reflect off the body to detect weapons hidden underneath clothing, but can also catch water or sweat, according to ProPublica. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 July 2025 Their technology uses behavioral science and voice analytics to detect subtle emotional cues, like moments of tension or disengagement, in conversations. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The firearm was detected when White placed his bag through a metal detector at an entrance to the building, according to police. July 3, CBS News, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for detect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detect was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

detect

verb
de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detectable adjective
detection
-ˈtek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detect

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