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.
Because the fire was burning in the garage, on the opposite side of the home, the detectors inside the house weren’t triggered. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 His current projects include improving the maintenance of essential home safety devices and simplifying everyday processes, such as reducing the need for a homeowner to climb a ladder to change the batteries in a smoke detector. K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Throughout the construction, Tony, as chief scientist, played a critical role in tackling some of the thorniest research problems, pushing the boundaries of detector and survey design and transforming a bold idea into a flagship observatory. Risa Wechsler, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 Rebuilding a collider The engineers will also take apart the long-running STAR detector, a tracker that captured RHIC’s first collisions in 2000, as well as the newer sPHENIX detector. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detector. Accessed 28 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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