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
Everyone will pass through metal detectors upon entry.
—Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
The district has so far abstained from installing traditional weapon detection methods including metal detectors, which Bagdasarian said can create the stigma of a prison-like atmosphere.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The school, with a student body of 2,850, is equipped with metal detectors already and a school security officer.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
During the first day last year, the metal detectors were constantly going off due to water bottles, binder notebooks and tablets and other devices.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
The district has so far abstained from installing traditional weapon detection methods including metal detectors, which Bagdasarian said can create the stigma of a prison-like atmosphere.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The school, with a student body of 2,850, is equipped with metal detectors already and a school security officer.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
During the first day last year, the metal detectors were constantly going off due to water bottles, binder notebooks and tablets and other devices.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025
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 6 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share