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

Security guards conduct basic metal detector searches at the front, and the rear doors are fenced off in an open-air parking lot. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Upon entry, all bags, backpacks and diaper bags will be subject to inspection and guests will be required to go through a metal detector and could be subject to pat-down searches or magnetic wand searches. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025

One day, tired of the lies, Shane purchased a metal detector. —John J. Lennon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025

Among the items taken to the clinic at Ramona Community Library were bicycles, a chainsaw, computer monitor, fan, DVD player, metal detector, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, Roomba, portable DVD player, portable stereo system, suitcase and lawn mower. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 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