detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
Synonyms of detectornext
: one that detects: such as
a
: a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity
b
: a rectifier of high-frequency current used especially for extracting the intelligence from a radio signal

Synonyms of detector

Examples of detector in a Sentence

using metal detectors to improve safety at airports a motion detector to thwart burglaries
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 detectors were right outside the event hall and where the bathrooms for the event were located, and the assailant was taken to the ground about 10 to 15 feet beyond them, attendees said. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Future observations, especially across more wavelengths and with next-generation detectors, will be crucial to confirm whether this behavior is typical or a rare exception. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 Think of it like a smoke detector for molecular clouds; where there's CO, there's likely H2 ready to collapse and form stars. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026 All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components. Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detector

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detector was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detector. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

detector

noun
de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
1
: one that detects or warns
a smoke detector
2
: a device in a radio receiver for changing the high-frequency current of radio waves into current that can vibrate a loudspeaker to reproduce the original sound

Medical Definition

detector

noun
de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
: one that detects
especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity

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