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

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

From BBC

Security fears necessitated tight controls at the menorah-lighting festival, where guests passed through tiers of armed guards, off-duty police and metal detectors before reaching the music and holiday decorations.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday, there were no metal detectors to set off—the library is equipped with only alarm sensors to deter visitors from stealing bar-coded library books.

From The Wall Street Journal

At Vale of York Academy, the students are scanned with metal detectors to ensure they aren't smuggling in a device, before they are given a pouch to keep in their bag or locker.

From BBC

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