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.

---

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

---

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

“He’s got a metal detector or something...no wait, it’s a golf club!” he exclaimed over the phone.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2025

While hiking in a forest in the Mount Shasta area with a metal detector, browsing over rocks and dirt, his machine began to beep.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025

A sign warned that all visitors were subject to search, but he just walked through the metal detector and went with the officer up to the second floor.

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar