polygraph
Americannoun
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an instrument for receiving and recording simultaneously tracings of variations in certain body activities.
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a test using such an instrument to determine if a person is telling the truth.
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an apparatus for producing copies of a drawing or writing.
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a prolific or versatile author.
verb (used with object)
noun
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an instrument for the simultaneous electrical or mechanical recording of several involuntary physiological activities, including blood pressure, skin resistivity, pulse rate, respiration, and sweating, used esp as a would-be lie detector
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a device for producing copies of written, printed, or drawn matter
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of polygraph
1795–1805 polygraph for def. 1; 1920–25 polygraph for def. 3; < Greek polýgraphos writing much. See poly-, -graph
Vocabulary lists containing polygraph
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Police officers then attached her to a polygraph machine and questioned her about the alleged disappearance of the money.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
“DNA evidence, witnesses recanting their prior statements and polygraph testing all supported the ‘actual innocence’ claims of Jarvis Ballard,” district attorney Perry Nicosia wrote.
From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2026
When the detective asked her to take a polygraph, she consented.
From Slate ● Apr. 6, 2026
The DEA is supporting the Bolivian government as it conducts "reliability" screens on anti-narcotics officers using polygraph lie detectors.
From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 2026
They had already been briefed on the Tolkachev case when the CIA learned some unsavory things about Edward Lee Howard's past, including theft and lying on a polygraph test.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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