detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
detected; detecting; detects

transitive verb

1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective
detectability noun
detectable adjective

Examples of detect in a Sentence

The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood. This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
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.
Functional Bias: The failure of a technology to detect, mitigate, or prevent biased outputs or discriminatory patterns, either in its design, training data, decision logic, or deployment context, resulting in unjust treatment, exclusion, or systemic distortion of individuals or groups. Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Scientists in recent years have also detected new sites using laser mapping technology, revealing the interconnectivity of Mayan cities, towns and villages. Alysha Bibi, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently announced that artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to detect and address air traffic risks, following a slew of near-misses and fatal plane crashes across the country. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025 The device accurately detected changes in brainwave patterns. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for detect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detect was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

detect

verb
de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detectable adjective
detection
-ˈtek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detect

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