detected; detecting; detects
1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3
: to work as a detective
Examples of detect in a Sentence
The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood.
This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
Recent Examples on the Web
The researchers ruled out the existence of other planets within the habitable zone of Barnard's Star.
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The planets are difficult to detect because their stars shine so brightly next to them, the researchers said.
—
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2025
The most recent outbreak, known as H5N1 or HPAI, began in March 2024, when bird flu was detected in dairy cattle.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Analyze Real-Time Team Sentiment AI can analyze team sentiment in real time by scanning surveys, chat interactions and feedback to detect cultural trends.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
These devices automatically attempt to restore power after detecting a power line issue.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
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Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2025
The most recent outbreak, known as H5N1 or HPAI, began in March 2024, when bird flu was detected in dairy cattle.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Analyze Real-Time Team Sentiment AI can analyze team sentiment in real time by scanning surveys, chat interactions and feedback to detect cultural trends.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
These devices automatically attempt to restore power after detecting a power line issue.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detect
verb
de·tect
di-ˈtekt 
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detection
noun
-ˈtek-shən
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