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

At the base, more workers sweep the outflow with metal detectors. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025

During City Council meetings, attendees are required to pass through a metal detector and have their personal belongings checked by police officers before they are allowed to enter the council chambers. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025

At a metal detector, a guard gestured to his many necklaces and pendants. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

The school said the mother brought the knife into the school and was not searched, despite a metal detector sounding upon her entry. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025

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