scan

verb \ ˈskan \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: scan in a Sentence

Definition of scan

scanned; scanning

transitive verb

1 : to read or mark so as to show metrical structure

scan poetry

2 : to examine by point-by-point observation or checking:

a : to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly

a fire lookout scanning the hills with binoculars

b : to glance from point to point of often hastily, casually, or in search of a particular item

scan the want ads looking for a job

3 a : to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage

scanned the patient's heart

radar scans the horizon

scan the photos into the computer

b : to pass over in the formation of an image

the electron beam scans the picture tube

intransitive verb

1 : to scan verse

2 : to conform to a metrical pattern

this poem scans well

—

scannable

play \ˈska-nə-bəl\ adjective

See scan defined for English-language learners

See scan defined for kids

Examples of scan in a Sentence

He scanned the field with binoculars.
He scanned the audience looking for his parents.
She scanned his face for any clue to what he was thinking.
She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper.
She scanned through the list to find her name.
Their bags were scanned at the airport.
This machine scans a patient's brain.

Recent Examples of scan from the Web

Members go through the metal detector or body scanner and their carry-on bags are scanned. 4.

— dawn gilbertson, azcentral, "Airport security: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear," 11 July 2018
Catherine Burlison stood behind a protective partition, watching the visuals as the dog was scanned.

— vincent t. davis, San Antonio Express-News, "One-of-a-kind hospital in San Antonio treats military dogs injured in line of duty," 28 June 2018
In about 40 percent of counties, paper ballots are electronically scanned.

— maureen groppe, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana may need millions of dollars to prevent election hacking by Russia and others," 25 June 2018
According to the press release, Taliesin in Wisconsin will also soon be scanned and available online as well.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Take a 3D Tour Through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West," 21 June 2018
With Akka's futuristic concept, passengers would board a train-like tube at a neighborhood station and have their retinas scanned for security during the ride to the airport.

— marie mawad and ania nussbaum, chicagotribune.com, "Flying trains could be coming your way," 11 July 2018
Journalists train their minds to constantly scan for stories.

— theresa vargas, Washington Post, "The column I won’t write because of a troll with a gun," 4 July 2018
Nazario, a 35-year-old father of two, scanned for the gunman.

— christal hayes, USA TODAY, "Armed citizen who shot Oklahoma gunman told worried crowd, 'I'm here to help'," 25 May 2018
This stop and search will be a combination of classic policing techniques and advanced airport-style tech to scan for threats.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "Royal Wedding: How a vast security operation will keep the couple, guests and spectators safe," 17 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scan

Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

scan Synonyms

Phrases

go over;

Synonym Discussion of scan

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over. scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

- scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

- scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

- inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

- examined the specimens

scan

noun

Definition of scan

1 : the act or process of scanning

2 : a radar or television trace

3 : an image formed by scanning something: such as

a : a depiction (such as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (such as a bodily organ)

b : an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections

See scan defined for English-language learners

Examples of scan in a Sentence

The patient underwent a brain scan.
The doctor examined the bone scans.

Recent Examples of scan from the Web

The rise of grade forgiveness scans as yet another instance of colleges treating students as customers to be satisfied—similar to campus amenities such as luxurious dorms, palatial recreational facilities, and cornucopian dining halls.

— jeffrey selingo, The Atlantic, "Colleges Are Letting Students Take Classes Over Again," 29 June 2018
Customers can go to a local SmileShop for a 3D digital scan and to receive a personalized plan.

— zipporah osei, BostonGlobe.com, "Fighting breast cancer, open space in Medway, and RoboGirls," 22 June 2018
Part of it has to do with improvements in the quality of brain scans and mental health testing in the time that has passed, said Medei’s lawyer, John O’Donnell.

— rafael olmeda, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Nine years later, no trial date for Hollywood ex-boxer who killed wife and stepson," 22 June 2018
Massachusetts, one of the strictest states, requires across-the-board EKGs, dilated eye exams and even a brain scan within five years of a fight.

— The Courier-Journal, "Danger in the cage: Lax regulation in amateur MMA puts lives at risk," 21 June 2018
Loris Karius was sent to Massachusetts for a head scan and 26 out of his 30 tests for concussion came back positive..

— SI.com, "UEFA Set to Revise Medical Regulations After Loris Karius Concussion Incident in UCL Final," 6 June 2018
Her next set of scans were the week before Christmas.

— kristen jordan shamus, Detroit Free Press, "Livingston mom battles breast cancer with experimental treatments to help other patients," 22 Apr. 2018
Separately, the researchers had the same participants sit quietly through a few different types of brain scans (without being asked to think about anything in particular).

— angus chen, Scientific American, "Did You Buy Bitcoins? Your Brain’s Anatomy Might Be to Blame," 5 Apr. 2018
Think of it as a full-body scan using a mirror to look all over yourself for any ticks that hitched a ride home with you.

— kate sheridan, SELF, "Here’s Exactly What to Do if a Tick Bites You," 14 July 2018

First Known Use of scan

1706

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

scan Synonyms

Synonyms

audit, check, checkup, examination, going-over, inspection, look-see, review, scrutiny, survey, view;

exploration, investigation, probe, research, study;

inquisition, interrogation;

once-over, perusal;

observation, surveillance, watch;

checkout, test-drive, trial run;

SCAN Defined for English Language Learners

scan

verb

Definition of scan for English Language Learners

: to look at (something) carefully usually in order to find someone or something
: to look over or read (something) quickly
: to look at the inside of (something) by using a special machine