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.

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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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• metal detectors
  plural

Example Sentences

There is one metal detector for everyone and one bag screener for carry-on items.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

“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

On some days, Blanchard will nip over to a local park with a metal detector in hopes of finding lost gold jewelry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

To get into the room, I showed my driver’s license to security guards outside, passed through a metal detector, and took the elevator up to the 12th floor.

From Slate • Oct. 10, 2025

She wasn't a large woman, but there was something commanding about her presence—I couldn't help but watch her as she moved carefully through the doorway toward the metal detector.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson