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

New security measures As the home of one of the most deadly school shootings in U.S. history, Broward has put a major emphasis on security in recent years, installing metal detectors in high schools, and adding more fencing, security cameras and security staff to all schools. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025

The state Capitol was wired to support metal detectors during major renovations completed in 2017. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025

Hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft, including tanks, will also be on hand for the parade − and so will metal detectors scanning anyone entering the area for weapons, McCool and other officials said at a June 9 news conference. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 10 June 2025

In June, a man who lives at sea pulled out a metal detector and showed his TikTok following an impressive find: A 22-karat gold ring with a red stone on top. —Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 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