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

In government offices across the nation, bulletproof glass often separates workers from their customers, and City Hall doors that once opened at a single tug are now locked, or flanked by armed security and metal detectors. —Krys Fluker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Atlanta's school district spent more than $4 million to roll out new systems in 2021 in middle and high schools, replacing old-style metal detectors. —CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

The Federation then works with FEMA’s nonprofit security grant program to secure funding to strengthen security, such as by buying new security cameras or metal detectors. —Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

To heighten security, sharpshooters were placed on rooftops, attendees passed through metal detectors, nearby businesses were closed, and the Shubert complex’s two lowest underground parking levels were blocked off due to the risk of car bombs. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 12 Mar. 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