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

Passing through the building’s security, one woman set off a metal detector with her hip, another with her knees.

From The Wall Street Journal

Police measures were very strict - there was an ID check on everyone who wanted to enter the courtroom and a metal detector was used to scan backpacks.

From BBC

The store offers everything from basic tools to pan for gold in the river, such as pickaxes and scoops, to pinpointers and high-tech metal detectors that can cost thousands of dollars.

From Barron's

A man who tried using a metal detector to find a hidden gun has pled guilty to involvement in serious and organised crime in the first case connected to a gangland feud in central Scotland.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times