detectorist

noun

de·​tec·​tor·​ist di-ˈtek-t(ə-)rist How to pronounce detectorist (audio)
plural detectorists
chiefly British
: one who uses a portable metal detector as a hobby
The trove was discovered in October near Watlington, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of London, by 60-year-old James Mather, an amateur treasure-seeker who called the find "every detectorist's dream."Alastair Grant
The third, known as the Crosby Garrett Helmet, was found in a field in 2010 by a metal detectorist who wants to remain anonymous. It was sold at auction for $3.6 million.Brad Smithfield

Examples of detectorist in a Sentence

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 the United Kingdom, a recent catalyst of discovery came in the form of two centuries-old weapons discovered by a metal detectorist. Irene Wright july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 Archaeologists recently unearthed a hoard of early medieval treasures on the banks of an inlet in northern Germany, all thanks to a metal detectorist. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025 The burial site was discovered two years ago by metal detectorists exploring a field on Senja, an island above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2025 The detectorist turned it over to the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, where it was kept safe for years. Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for detectorist

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detectorist was in 1984

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detectorist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detectorist. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!