metal detector

noun

plural metal detectors

: a device that detects the presence of hidden metal: such as

a

: a security device that scans individuals for dangerous objects (such as weapons)

I boarded the plane armed with several frying thermometers, which set off the metal detector …

—Jeffrey Steingarten

Once inside the theater, the crowd had to pass through an airport-style metal detector as a security precaution.

—Richard Zoglin

b

: a handheld apparatus that uses electrical induction (see induction sense 4c) to detect the presence of metallic objects (such as coins or jewelry) buried a short distance underground

A local man using a metal detector stumbled upon the site last March. He found two copper brooches, or pins, measuring four inches across.

—Time for Kids

Examples of metal detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Maricopa County, Arizona, a critical battleground county that was central to Trump’s false claim that the election was stolen from him after Biden won Arizona in a tight race, will use snipers, drones, metal detectors and security cameras to protect its vote tabulation center. —Conor Murray, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Two layers of security fencing surround the building, as well as metal detectors and even rooftop snipers. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Roya had hosted a party the night before, which didn’t have a metal detector but did use invisible ink stamps to show who had been admitted. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Concerned parents, students and community members launched a petition that’s gathered over 1,200 signatures calling for additional safety measures at school – like clear bag policies and metal detectors. —Brammhi Balarajan and Andy Rose, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above