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

The supplies include rope/cord, saw/cutting tools, police scanner, hair nets, medical gloves and more. —April 8, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

At the scanner station, students used diagnostic tools to read data such as coolant temperature, check for error codes, and demonstrated their ability to operate the equipment. —Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Helium is used in MRI scanners and for propelling rockets. —Npr Staff, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026

The scanner is designed for efficiency, with a quick-loading tray system that allows continuous scanning of multiple slides or negatives. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 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