scans; scanned; scanning
1
: to look at (something) carefully usually in order to find someone or something
He scanned the field with binoculars.
He scanned the audience looking for his parents.
She scanned his face for any clue to what he was thinking.
The program is scanning [=searching] the computer's files.
2
: to look over or read (something) quickly
She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper.
She scanned through the list to find her name.
3
: to look at the inside of (something) by using a special machine
Their bags were scanned at the airport.
This machine scans a patient's brain.
4
: to use a special machine to read or copy (something, such as a photograph or a page of text) into a computer
She scanned her photos into her computer.
scan in the number
The cashier scanned the bar code on the box.
The bar code won't scan. [=the machine is unable to read the bar code]
5
technical, of a poem
: to have a correct or regular rhythm
These lines do not scan.
plural scans
1
: the act or process of scanning something: such as
a
: the act of looking at something carefully or quickly
—usually singular
a careful scan of the area
The investigator did a full scan of the computer's files.
She gave the list a quick scan.
b
: the act or process of using a special machine to see the inside of something (such as a part of the body)
The patient underwent a brain scan.
2
: a picture of the inside of something that is made by a special machine
The doctor examined the bone scans.
Cite this Entry
“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/scan. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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