metal detector

noun

plural metal detectors

: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as

a

: a security device that scans individuals for dangerous objects (such as weapons)

I boarded the plane armed with several frying thermometers, which set off the metal detector …

—Jeffrey Steingarten

Once inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.

—Richard Zoglin

b

: a handheld apparatus that uses electrical induction (see induction sense 4c) to detect the presence of metallic objects (such as coins or jewelry) buried a short distance underground

A local man using a metal detector stumbled upon the site last March. He found two copper brooches, or pins, measuring four inches across.

—Time for Kids

Examples of metal detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Security significant but discreet Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica. —ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026

Given the issues, what assurances do people have that these AI security systems are an improvement over traditional metal detectors? —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

For the first time on Tuesday, members of the public had to pass through metal detectors and send bags through X-ray machines to access the Capitol on the first day of a session — new security measures that came in the wake of last summer’s violence against state lawmakers. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metal detector

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