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 used a combination of survey strategies to map the deposits, including metal detectors and topographical mapping with hundreds of drones, according to the study. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025

Armed with metal detectors, a shovel, sifting screens and a 60-pound magnet, Levy has helped recover belongings for wildfire victims for more than 30 years – bringing tears of joy and shrieks of elation to despondent victims who have lost most everything else. —Holly Yan, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025

Part of our experience was out in the field with metal detectors, the other visiting remote bunkers where many of the dangerous munitions are transported, and kept, until detonation. —Jim Clash, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

The fun is watching Flowers and Davenport trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together after one of the bloggers discovers the murder weapon using a metal detector. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metal detector

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