detection

American  

[dih-tek-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛk ʃən /

noun

detections plural

1. the act of detecting.

2. the fact of being detected.

3. discovery, as of error or crime.

   chance detection of smuggling.

4. Telecommunications.

   1. rectification of alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.

   2. Also called demodulation.  the conversion of an alternating, modulated carrier wave or current into a direct, pulsating current equivalent to the transmitted information-bearing signal.

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detection British  

/ dɪˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered

   detection of crime

2. the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave See also demodulation

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• predetection
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• detections
  plural

Etymology

Origin of detection

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dētēctiōn- (stem of dētēctiō ), equivalent to Latin dētēct ( us ) ( see detect) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Detection is the act of noticing or discovering something. At the airport, you might see German Shepherds trained in the detection of drug smuggling or explosives in luggage. Detection, detect, detective, detector — all are about noticing and discovering. A detective looks for clues that lead to the detection of the person who committed a crime. A metal detector is a machine created for the detection of coins people have left behind on the beach. Some teachers seem to have a third eye they use primarily for the detection of kids passing notes, or checking their cell phones during class.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

detection detections

But the defenders have become better at holding their ground and hunting down infiltrators, as well as at defending against Russian midrange drones with a layered system of detection, electronic interference and small interceptor drones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

Per head of population, the detection rate in Merseyside was higher than in any part of England or Wales in the year to March.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

"We continue to run proactive detection technology on ads once they're live, and anyone can report an ad to us that they think breaks our rules," Meta said.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

According to Hilke, future versions of the technology could contribute to faster communication systems, more sensitive detection tools, improved methods for studying biological materials, and advanced medical technologies.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

Because of the danger of detection, no communication comes from the rescue team.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

As the number of gravitational wave detections continues to grow, researchers can move beyond studying individual events and begin examining the broader population of black holes throughout the Universe.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

The rapid increase in gravitational wave detections is changing the way astronomers study the Universe.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

Marine mammals have also been affected, with some detections in other animals such as cats, goats, alpacas and pigs.

From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026

This includes inadequately documented air arrivals, recorded detections at UK ports, and other recorded detections within the UK.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

One game was a paper with lines in all detections and lots of boxs.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

Related Words

• disclosure