detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
: 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

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.
Every detector has some noise from the random motion of electrons. Chris Impey, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2025 The investigation revealed that over the course of four years, Charles McGuire was recording his tenant through a camera hidden in a smoke detector in the home, officials told WMUR. Paloma Chavez, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025 How Else Families Can Stay Safe Portable carbon monoxide detectors may be one of the simplest ways to protect your family while on the road. Natalie Discala, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025 Those satellites were the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellites (GOES) 16 and 17 and their lightning detectors, which are Earth-observing satellites operated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAO). Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 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 20 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on detector

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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