scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈska-nər 

: 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

The scanner is equipped with easy-load film inserts and a quick-feeding tray system that makes scanning fragile, old media simple and reliable. —Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025

There’s an in-display ultra-sonic fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and excellent haptic engine. —Ben Sin, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

It’s made with RFID-blocking technology to protect your stuff from scanners and scammers. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025

When testing approximately 48,000 CT machines in 17 hospitals, Smith-Bindman’s research found that 30% of the scanners emitted too high a radiation dose — and image quality was never a concern. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scanner

• CAT scanner
• CT scanner

Rhymes for scanner

• banner
• branner
• canner
• fanner
• kanner
• manner
• manor
• planner
• spanner
• tanner

Kids Definition

scanner

noun

scan·​ner ˈskan-ər 

: 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 

: a device (as a CT scanner) for making scans of a living body