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 detectorJeffrey 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 All visitors pass through airport-style metal detectors and security guards with sniffer dogs walked around the conference center. Mike Corder, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 Ian Porter stumbled upon the ancient treasure trove while using a metal detector to search a field in Anglesey in March 2020, the Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales said in a Feb. 28 news release shared with McClatchy News. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Parents and community members were pushing for metal detectors at schools after a shooting in October 2021 at Timberview High School, a campus in the same district. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The incident came a day after Mayor Eric Adams said the city would install metal detectors at a migrant shelter on Randall’s Island following multiple stabbings at that location. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2024 All foods are subjected to X-rays and metal detectors, Chapman said, because when those slip through, people can actually be hurt. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 Another couple, Mark and Vicky Mikkelson, saw what happened and rushed over to help, ultimately saving the day by using metal detectors to locate the ring, according to a Bradenton, Florida, Patch site. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 Other changes include replacing metal detectors with $329,000 airport-quality scanners at entry doors to screen for contraband like pills and vape pens that show up in youths’ cells. Christine MacDonald, Detroit Free Press, 30 Jan. 2024 Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg responded by sending metal detectors to schools at random starting in 2006. USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metal detector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metal detector was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near metal detector

Cite this Entry

“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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