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

September 4 at Apalachee High School Colt Gray rides the bus to school, bringing with him an assault-style rifle concealed in his backpack, along with a knife, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which noted the school does not have metal detectors. —Emma Tucker, CNN, 15 Sep. 2024

If a medical implant sets off the metal detector, the person will be subject to a follow-up screening that may include a hand wand or light pat-down search. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2024

Build a security checkpoint using a doorway as the metal detector and a cardboard box and towel as the conveyor belt and X-ray. —Noah Kaufman, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2024

The idea of adding metal detectors to the subway’s 472 stations has been suggested before. —Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above