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

The paradox is that school shooters tend to be children already affiliated with the school, and when someone walks in already firing, checkpoints and metal detectors are useless. —James Densley, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

Matan Kaufman-Nichols, a sophomore at Shortridge High School, said that the way schools address safety concerns by using metal detectors every day or having more police in buildings doesn’t necessarily make students feel safe. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025

In the southwest region of the country, a history buff with a metal detector led archaeologists to the site of a medieval monastery this spring. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Police vehicles were parked near a football field and a CMPD investigator appeared to be using a metal detector at the scene. —Jeff A. Chamer december 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 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