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

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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 group placed light detectors called photodiodes on the ground and on board a high-altitude balloon, which collected data on the light patterns before and after totality. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 The idea of an ocean-bottom detector, estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, has seen little take-up from government funders to date. — James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 When the fourth photo of the carousel was uploaded into AI-image detectors Sightengine, Zero GPT and Deep AI, the image tested between 96-99% likely to be AI-generated. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 While its author, a 25-year-old Nigerian named Jerry Falade, also vehemently denies using AI, in his case nobody seems to believe him — especially after Publishers Lunch ran his manuscript through a detector and got a 97 percent AI score. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detector
sensor
Noun
  • The team was also able to deploy an additional set of light sensors on an aircraft that flew in Vermont, where the skies were clearer.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Power comes from a mid-drive motor producing 100 Nm of torque, paired with a responsive torque sensor that adjusts assistance based on your pedal pressure.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detector

Nglish: Translation of detector for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detector

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