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

Once inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.

—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

Examples of metal detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Backpacks, large bags and coolers were prohibited, and spectators had to pass through metal detectors. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 3 June 2024

During the Tuesday, May 28, episode of Live with Kelly and Mark the 53-year-old host shared that his go-to travel outfit — which includes a pair of ultra-comfortable jeans — never fails to set off the metal detectors at the airport. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024

But some members of the Baltimore teachers union say the system is more invasive than metal detectors and creates an unwelcoming environment at school. —Lilly Price, Baltimore Sun, 2 May 2024

Members of the Hrubieszów Exploration and Historical Association were searching the area around Hrubieszów with metal detectors, the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments said in a May 22 Facebook post. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 May 2024

Visitors to the Palais have their bags searched and must pass individually through a metal detector arch, leading to long lines. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 18 May 2024

Others have taken to sweeping their fields with a metal detector. —Oleksandr Chubko Mauricio Lima, New York Times, 10 May 2024

Guests walked through metal detectors and were asked to carry clear purses or bags. —Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024

The measures include metal detectors, a clear-bag policy and all attendees being subject to search. —Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above