detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: 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

• sensor

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

Combining topological quantum materials with non-Hermitian physics may eventually enable ultra-sensitive detectors capable of responding to extremely small electric, magnetic, and other environmental signals. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

It was detected by one of the world's largest neutrino detectors, the Super-Kamiokande, located 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) underground in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 July 2026

To accomplish the goal, Danagoulian proposed a satellite fitted with a detector array constructed of pixels. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 July 2026

Only leave on lights that are needed for safety and where possible all lights should be on motion detectors. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detector

• lie detector
• metal detector
• radar detector
• smoke detector

Rhymes for detector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector
• erector

Kids Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

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 

: one that detects

especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity