detector

noun

di-ˈtek-tər How to pronounce detector (audio)
Definition of detectornext
as in sensor
a device that detects some physical quantity and responds usually with a transmitted signal a motion detector to thwart burglaries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detector The initial block of these satellites, launched from 1970 to 1973, had a mass of about 1 metric ton, and each carried about 2,000 infrared detectors. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 This is where voice activity detectors (VAD) are used in the voice agent. — Jashwanth Pedapudi, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The incident has prompted the agency to highlight recommendations that every state require natural gas detectors in buildings that could be impacted by a gas leak. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 Keep scrolling to shop more hotel security essentials, from a door stop alarm to a hidden camera detector and more. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detector
sensor
Noun
  • That makes the technology particularly interesting for counter-drone missions, where disabling an aircraft’s sensors or critical components may be sufficient to bring it down.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Eco effort Already the resort is single-use plastic free, and sliding glass doors are equipped with sensors that click off the AC when open.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensor

Phrases Containing detector

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detectives
detector
detectors
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Cite this Entry

“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detector. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detector

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detector

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