scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈska-nər 

: one that scans: such as

a

: a device for sensing recorded data (as in a bar code)

a supermarket scanner

b

: a radio receiver that sequentially scans a range of frequencies for a signal

c

: a device that scans an image (such as a photograph) or document (such as a page of text) especially for use or storage on a computer

d

: a medical device for scanning a living body to collect diagnostic information see also ct scanner

Examples of scanner in a Sentence

a price scanner at a supermarket

Recent Examples on the Web

In digital projection, the resolution is limited by the maximum resolution of the scanner and projector being used. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026

You will still be required to follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule and remove jewelry and electronics before walking through a body scanner. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Deep discovery must use automated scanners to map the full dependency structure of a legacy estate. — Chetan Mathur, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

For robot manufacturers, the certification offers an alternative to traditional 2D laser scanners that are widely used for safety. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scanner

• CAT scanner
• CT scanner

Rhymes for scanner

• banner
• branner
• canner
• fanner
• kanner
• manner
• manor
• planner
• spanner
• tanner

Kids Definition

scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈskan-ər 

: one that scans: as

a

: a device that senses recorded information

b

: a radio receiver that scans a range of frequencies for a signal

c

: a device that scans an image or document especially for use or storage on a computer

d

: a device for scanning a living body to collect medical information

Medical Definition

scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈskan-ər 

: a device (as a CT scanner) for making scans of a living body