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

There was also the sound of a generator, which would require a permit, a check-in table, a metal detector and a temporary wall with branding, Sterling said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

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 • Dec. 1, 2025

We use old coins that Papa found on the beach with his metal detector for those.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt