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

No need to remove your valuables or go through a metal detector.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

Thomas had been scanning with a metal detector for two years, having seen people doing in on television.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

Cellphones were banned from the ceremony, bags were closely screened and delegates put through a metal detector by a sizable security force.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

Ancient Egyptians understood hardware just like punks understood hardware just like bikers understood hardware just like I, walking through my office metal detector every week, understand hardware.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

We were out searching for old coins with his metal detector.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---