: 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
By harnessing a particle accelerator to generate extraordinarily bright, coherent X-rays, the team was able to capture high-resolution internal anatomy in seconds, without the lengthy staining or other preprocessing steps often required for soft-tissue contrast in standard lab scanners.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026
The Democrats voted in the way usually used by the county, including using ballot scanners at polling locations.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Ignatz, who works in the security field, said jamming scanners does happen, and there can be serious ramifications for public safety.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Automata follows combat android 2B, scanner android 9S, and the prototype A2, with core hack-and-slash gameplay that's supplemented by elements from other genres, including RPGS and bullet-hell shmups.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scanner
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IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026
The Democrats voted in the way usually used by the county, including using ballot scanners at polling locations.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Ignatz, who works in the security field, said jamming scanners does happen, and there can be serious ramifications for public safety.
—Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Automata follows combat android 2B, scanner android 9S, and the prototype A2, with core hack-and-slash gameplay that's supplemented by elements from other genres, including RPGS and bullet-hell shmups.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scanner
Cite this Entry
“Scanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scanner. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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