detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: one that detects: such as

a

: a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity

b

: a rectifier of high-frequency current used especially for extracting the intelligence from a radio signal

Synonyms

• sensor

Examples of detector in a Sentence

using metal detectors to improve safety at airports

a motion detector to thwart burglaries

Recent Examples on the Web

Residents in Kansas City can also obtain a smoke detector by calling 816-513-4648. —Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025

At The Core Grammarly’s commitment to ethical AI was partially inspired by a viral incident: a student using Grammarly’s writing support was incorrectly accused of plagiarism by an AI detector. —Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

For new buildings, hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required; for new buildings with four or more units, a fire sprinkler system is also required. —David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 7 July 2025

Using appliances during power outages Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. —Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detector

• lie detector
• metal detector
• radar detector
• smoke detector

Rhymes for detector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector
• erector

Kids Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

1

: one that detects or warns

a smoke detector

2

: a device in a radio receiver for changing the high-frequency current of radio waves into current that can vibrate a loudspeaker to reproduce the original sound

Medical Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: one that detects

especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity