metal detector

American  

noun

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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Example Sentences

“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

"And I was hooked on what they were showing me, so I decided I was going to get a metal detector."

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

“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

To our immediate right was the door through which visitors entered after presenting I.D., checking their belongings, and passing through a metal detector.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover