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
Jeffrey SteingartenOnce inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.—Richard Zoglin
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
Time for KidsExamples of metal detector in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
An Aurora Sinai spokesperson said in a March 5 statement the hospital’s internal review of the shooting found the building’s metal detectors were working, but staff members who did not use a handheld screening wand have been fired.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 9 Mar. 2026
There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
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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
An Aurora Sinai spokesperson said in a March 5 statement the hospital’s internal review of the shooting found the building’s metal detectors were working, but staff members who did not use a handheld screening wand have been fired.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 9 Mar. 2026
There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
Cite this Entry
“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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