detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
Synonyms of detectornext
: one that detects: such as
a
: a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity
b
: a rectifier of high-frequency current used especially for extracting the intelligence from a radio signal

Synonyms of detector

Examples of detector in a Sentence

using metal detectors to improve safety at airports a motion detector to thwart burglaries
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.
Appellate court judges reversed the most serious charge against him, finding that a superior court judge failed to hold a hearing to establish the scientific legitimacy of Shotspotter gunfire detectors. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2026 Some also question whether weapon detectors are necessary in elementary schools, as the bill mandates. Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 The ground station receives that beam with its telescope, focuses it onto a detector, and converts the optical signal back into digital data. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026 These include managing the training schedules for an entire astronaut class (the 2017 class), helping to create tools for the tricky repair of a dark matter detector on the ISS, and helping to advise space policymakers in Canada. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detector

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detector was in 1541

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detector. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

detector

noun
de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
1
: one that detects or warns
a smoke detector
2
: a device in a radio receiver for changing the high-frequency current of radio waves into current that can vibrate a loudspeaker to reproduce the original sound

Medical Definition

detector

noun
de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
: one that detects
especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity

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