detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
: 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

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.
Researchers debuted an 88 percent accurate hate-speech detector and a superior sarcasm detector and may be able to send messages back in time. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025 A smoke detector in the apartment where the fire started alerted a resident, who called 911, Michel said. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025 Air and road travel halted; schools shut down Officials in affected states in the South cautioned people to stay off the roads, keep faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing, check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and refrain from using cooking stoves to heat homes. Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 The large majority of drivers have E-ZPass transponders on their windshields, so the MTA knows immediately who’s been crossing into the zone since the detectors and cameras were activated two weeks ago. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near detector

Cite this Entry

“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detector. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on detector

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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