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

One lawsuit filed in 2025 said that while police officers were spread throughout the parade route and rally areas, the rally had no security measures — checkpoints, metal detectors or barriers. —Ben Wheeler may 30, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

This includes safety precautions at city hall or county buildings where public meetings are held, such as metal detectors or patrolling security guards. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

The next morning, 44 hours after losing the ring, Narishkin met up with Merchant and his metal detector. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

There will be security screening at the event, including metal detectors. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 28 May 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