detected; detecting; detects
1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3
: to work as a detective
Examples of detect in a Sentence
The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood.
This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Light shaking has been detected and residents reported experiencing the earthquake in several cities, including Mineral, Shingletown, Paynes Creek and Manton based on the USGS DYFI report.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Artificial intelligence is bringing new power and capabilities to forecasting models, enabling scientists to detect extreme weather events with greater speed and accuracy.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Other organic molecules not previously detected were also found that, on Earth, lead to life's building blocks.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Ocean Shield develops an environmentally friendly macromolecular sunscreen ingredient while Purvée Technology’s device can detect microplastics and microfibers using smart hardware equipped with infrared spectroscopy and AI algorithms.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
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Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Artificial intelligence is bringing new power and capabilities to forecasting models, enabling scientists to detect extreme weather events with greater speed and accuracy.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Other organic molecules not previously detected were also found that, on Earth, lead to life's building blocks.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Ocean Shield develops an environmentally friendly macromolecular sunscreen ingredient while Purvée Technology’s device can detect microplastics and microfibers using smart hardware equipped with infrared spectroscopy and AI algorithms.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detect
verb
de·tect
di-ˈtekt 
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detection
noun
-ˈtek-shən
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