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 detectorJeffrey 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 Guests walked through metal detectors and were asked to carry clear purses or bags. Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024 The measures include metal detectors, a clear-bag policy and all attendees being subject to search. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024 Holistic interventions Society typically tries to reduce violence by fixing individual behaviors – using metal detectors to curb weapons, for example, or creating mentoring programs for individuals deemed at-risk for violence. Kalen Flynn, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2024 Tuesday’s discussion was the most recent regarding a weapons detection program that launched in March 2022, when Broward Public Schools started doing random screenings with handheld metal detectors in all schools. Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2024 Arthur’s the equivalent of a human metal detector and becomes part of 1980s raucous band of grave robbers. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024 Having metal detectors in schools received support from 43% of Republican-leaning teachers, compared to 27% of Democratic-leaning teachers. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 12 Apr. 2024 Typically, regular members of the press corps — a group of reporters assigned to a beat or event — don’t need to pass through a metal detector to enter the building, and are free to find a seat in the press area and use their laptops. Terence McGinley, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024 When entering the swap meet, customers pass through a metal detector and have their bags inspected. Ashley Ahn, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metal detector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metal detector was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near metal detector

Cite this Entry

“Metal detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metal%20detector. Accessed 14 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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