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

Currently, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

American schools now spend about $4 billion annually on physically hardening their facilities by adding technology such as metal detectors and surveillance cameras, according to the Learning Policy Institute, an education research group. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 July 2026

Robert shared his story online and quickly received a flood of responses from strangers offering to help with the search, including bringing metal detectors to the beach. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

That said, the rods can ultimately set off TSA metal detectors. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 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