scanned; scanning
1
: to read or mark so as to show metrical structure
scan poetry
2
: to examine by point-by-point observation or checking:
a
: to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly
a fire lookout scanning the hills with binoculars
b
: to glance from point to point of often hastily, casually, or in search of a particular item
scan the want ads looking for a job
3
a
: to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage
scanned the patient's heart
radar scans the horizon
scan the photos into the computer
b
: to pass over in the formation of an image
the electron beam scans the picture tube
1
: the act or process of scanning
2
: a radar or television trace
3
: an image formed by scanning something: such as
a
: a depiction (such as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (such as a bodily organ)
b
: an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections
Synonyms
Examples of scan in a Sentence
Verb
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.
She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper.
She scanned through the list to find her name.
Their bags were scanned at the airport.
This machine scans a patient's brain.
Noun
The patient underwent a brain scan.
The doctor examined the bone scans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Then Cooke and others scanned and analyzed the bone.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Skip the checkout lines with the mobile scan and go feature in the Walmart app.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scan 
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.
Verb
Because most industries comply with various regulatory frameworks with robust requirements for protecting data; scanning naturally improves this compliance.
—Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Then Cooke and others scanned and analyzed the bone.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
This increase is attributed to more customer BNA scans and initial revenue from a clinical study.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Skip the checkout lines with the mobile scan and go feature in the Walmart app.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scan
Dictionary Entries Near scan
Cite this Entry
“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scan. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scan
1 of 2 verb
scanned; scanning
1
: to read or mark verses so as to show stress and rhythm
scan poetry
2
a
: to examine thoroughly
scanned their faces for signs of anger
b
: to make a wide sweeping search of
scanning the field with binoculars
c
: to look through or over hastily
scanned the headlines
d
: to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage
scanned the patient's heart
scan the photos into the computer
3
: to move across in successive lines to form an image on a cathode-ray tube
the electron beam scans the face of the picture tube
scan
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or process of scanning
2
: an image formed by scanning something: as
a
: a picture of the distribution of radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ)
b
: a picture of part of the body made (as by a computer) by combining separate pictures taken from different angles or of different sections
Medical Definition
scan
1 of 2 verb
scanned; scanning
1
a
: to examine especially systematically with a sensing device (as a photometer or a beam of radiation)
b
: to pass an electron beam over and convert (an image) into variations of electrical properties (as voltage) that convey information electronically
2
: to make a scan of (as the human body) in order to detect the presence or localization of radioactive material
: to make a scan of the body or of an organ or part
scan
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or process of scanning
2
a
: a depiction (as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ)
b
: an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonographic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share