detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

: 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

• sensor

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

But an innovative network of CO2 detectors is helping keep them safe today. —Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025

The system features a high-precision passive detector capable of identifying a range of Ukrainian drones, including FPVs. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

If unsure of the presence or status of CO detectors, travel with portable carbon monoxide alarms, which are typically pocket-sized and battery or outlet-powered. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Listings at Airbnb and rival VRBO show whether a lodging is equipped with a CO detector. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing detector

• lie detector
• metal detector
• radar detector
• smoke detector

Rhymes for detector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector
• erector

Kids Definition

detector

noun

de·​tec·​tor di-ˈtek-tər 

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 

: one that detects

especially : a device for detecting the presence of electromagnetic waves or of radioactivity