scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈska-nər How to pronounce scanner (audio)
: 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 ct scanner

Examples of scanner in a Sentence

a price scanner at a supermarket
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Turn your phone into a scanner, document editor, and fax machine with this lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for $41.99 (reg. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 14 Feb. 2025 As technology advances, our cards are increasingly at risk for data theft by people using unauthorized scanners to steal information in passing. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025 The other part of the research involves using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a live imaging system to monitor living cell therapies. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 The drop-off stations process the bags using high-tech barcode scanners that instantly credit the deposits to a customer’s account. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scanner 

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scanner was in 1556

Dictionary Entries Near scanner

Cite this Entry

“Scanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scanner. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

scanner

noun
scan·​ner ˈskan-ər How to pronounce scanner (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce scanner (audio)
: a device (as a CT scanner) for making scans of a living body

More from Merriam-Webster on scanner

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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