metal detector

American  

noun

metal detectors plural

1. an electronic device for detecting the presence of metal objects, as one used as a portable sweeping unit or one emplaced in an archway at an airport terminal to detect concealed weapons, explosives, etc.

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metal detector British  

noun

1. a device that gives an audible or visual signal when its search head comes close to a metallic object embedded in food, buried in the ground, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• metal detectors
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

metal detector

Two years earlier, the FAA had begun to require that all carry-on luggage be X-rayed for weapons and passengers be scanned by a metal detector.

From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026

Filip lives in Bergeijk in the south of the Netherlands, just a few miles from the Belgian border and has been a metal detector enthusiast for more than 35 years.

From BBC ● May 25, 2026

“I could spend all night in the water searching,” he says, sweeping his arm back and forth, an imagined metal detector in his hand.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026

There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026

I put my phone, headphones, and backpack into the gray bin before walking through the metal detector.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon