detectorist

noun

de·​tec·​tor·​ist di-ˈtek-t(ə-)rist How to pronounce detectorist (audio)
plural detectorists
chiefly British
: one who uses a portable metal detector as a hobby
The trove was discovered in October near Watlington, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of London, by 60-year-old James Mather, an amateur treasure-seeker who called the find "every detectorist's dream."Alastair Grant
The third, known as the Crosby Garrett Helmet, was found in a field in 2010 by a metal detectorist who wants to remain anonymous. It was sold at auction for $3.6 million.Brad Smithfield

Examples of detectorist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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About two years ago, a metal detectorist unearthed a small gold pendant near the town of Attleborough in Norfolk, England. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024 After all, a hoard of Roman coins was indeed dug up by an amateur metal detectorist, a Fabergé egg was discovered in a flea market, and a lost masterpiece was reclaimed from a charity store. Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 3 Dec. 2024 Metal detectorists have been able to count themselves lucky on many occasions throughout history. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024 On that lucky day in 2019, the first coin the detectorists unearthed featured William’s likeness. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detectorist 

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detectorist was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near detectorist

Cite this Entry

“Detectorist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detectorist. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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