detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
detected; detecting; detects
Synonyms of detect

transitive verb

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
: demodulate

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective
detectability
di-ˌtek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
noun
detectable
di-ˈtek-tə-bəl How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
adjective

Synonyms of detect

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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
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.
Pilot studies have detected QACs in human blood serum, breast milk, urine and feces. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 The city has a map for New Yorkers to see where West Nile virus has been detected here. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 In a statement to CBS Colorado, Veo said every scooter and e-bike in Denver has been equipped with GPS and onboard sensors to detect sidewalk riding. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 OpenAI detected trouble after activity generated enough load to cause an Artifactory outage on July 4. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detect was in 1574

Rhymes for detect

See All Rhymes for detect

Browse Nearby Words

detd
detect
detectable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detect

verb
de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detectable
-ˈtek-tə-bəl How to pronounce detect (audio)
adjective
detection
-ˈtek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detect

Nglish: Translation of detect for Spanish Speakers

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