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 one case, the group infected the Trivy vulnerability scanner. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

The dual rear camera system includes a LiDAR scanner for AR applications, and Face ID handles secure unlocking. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

And despite Flock framing its tools as harmless license plate scanners, its cameras are often spotted stationed over residential and community areas — and even swimming pools. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

Bruno Guimaraes was Newcastle’s heartbeat and captain, Kieran Trippier set standards, Anthony Gordon led Howe’s press and chipped in with goals, and, at his best, Sandro Tonali was a midfield scanner supreme. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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