metal detector
noun
plural metal detectors
: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as
a
: a security device that scans individuals for dangerous objects (such as weapons)
I boarded the plane armed with several frying thermometers, which set off the metal detector …—
Jeffrey Steingarten
Jeffrey SteingartenOnce inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.—Richard Zoglin
Richard Zoglin
b
: a handheld apparatus that uses electrical induction (see induction sense 4c) to detect the presence of metallic objects (such as coins or jewelry) buried a short distance underground
A local man using a metal detector stumbled upon the site last March. He found two copper brooches, or pins, measuring four inches across.—Time for Kids
Time for KidsExamples of metal detector in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The fun is watching Flowers and Davenport trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together after one of the bloggers discovers the murder weapon using a metal detector.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
Unlike the multiple checkpoints during the trial, this time there was only one checkpoint for those without secure passes, which included a simple metal detector scan.
—Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
All three were delighted to share their top tips for not setting off a metal detector, holding up the line, and worse, abandoning your precious belongings during this hectic time of year.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Dive deeper: Want more fuel to buy that metal detector?
—Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
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Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025
Unlike the multiple checkpoints during the trial, this time there was only one checkpoint for those without secure passes, which included a simple metal detector scan.
—Katherine Fung, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
All three were delighted to share their top tips for not setting off a metal detector, holding up the line, and worse, abandoning your precious belongings during this hectic time of year.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024
Dive deeper: Want more fuel to buy that metal detector?
—Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metal detector
Cite this Entry
“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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