metal detector

noun

plural metal detectors

: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as

a

: a security device that scans individuals for dangerous objects (such as weapons)

I boarded the plane armed with several frying thermometers, which set off the metal detector …

—Jeffrey Steingarten

Once inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.

—Richard Zoglin

b

: a handheld apparatus that uses electrical induction (see induction sense 4c) to detect the presence of metallic objects (such as coins or jewelry) buried a short distance underground

A local man using a metal detector stumbled upon the site last March. He found two copper brooches, or pins, measuring four inches across.

—Time for Kids

Examples of metal detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers discovered the first cannon in the fall of 2020 during a systematic metal detector survey of the San Geronimo III site, according to a paper published last month in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Zoom in: Some schools have installed metal detectors. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024

However, the school does not have metal detectors or a school resource officer. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

It was also revealed that the school did not have metal detectors but did have cameras and other security protocols. —Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above