detected; detecting; detects
1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3
: to work as a detective
Examples of detect in a Sentence
The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood.
This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Exercise also causes disease-fighting white blood cells to circulate more quickly, possibly allowing the body to detect illnesses earlier.5
The temporary rise in body temperature during exercise may also help fight infections, similar to how a fever works.
—
Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
The decreased platelet count, necessary for clotting, that was first detected Saturday was stable.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
Quantum sensors detect and quantify minute changes in time, gravity, temperature, pressure, rotation, acceleration, frequency, and magnetic and electric fields using the smallest amounts of matter and energy.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
The agency reports that no cases have been detected in Texas flocks since Jan. 9.
—Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
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Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
The decreased platelet count, necessary for clotting, that was first detected Saturday was stable.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
Quantum sensors detect and quantify minute changes in time, gravity, temperature, pressure, rotation, acceleration, frequency, and magnetic and electric fields using the smallest amounts of matter and energy.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
The agency reports that no cases have been detected in Texas flocks since Jan. 9.
—Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detect
verb
de·tect
di-ˈtekt 
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detection
noun
-ˈtek-shən
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