metal detector: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in everyday, security, technical, and hobbyist contexts.
Quick answer
What does “metal detector” mean?
A portable electronic device used to locate nearby metallic objects by generating a magnetic field and detecting disruptions caused by metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable electronic device used to locate nearby metallic objects by generating a magnetic field and detecting disruptions caused by metal.
In broader contexts, can refer to the technology or system used for security screening, archaeological surveying, or hobbyist treasure hunting. It can also metaphorically describe a person or process that uncovers hidden or problematic elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The activity/person is more commonly called 'metal detecting'/'detectorist' in the UK, while in the US, 'treasure hunting' with a metal detector is also common.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with hobbyists on beaches and historical fields. In the US, also heavily associated with airport/venue security and beachcombing.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media relative to the popular hobby of metal detecting.
Grammar
How to Use “metal detector” in a Sentence
[Subject] + use/operate/swing + a metal detector[Subject] + pass through/go through + a metal detector[Object] + set off/trigger + the metal detectorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metal detector” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was metal detecting on the foreshore when he found the Tudor coin.
- The area has been thoroughly detected.
American English
- We spent the afternoon metal detecting in the old park.
- The entire field was detected by the team.
adjective
British English
- The metal-detector survey revealed several anomalies.
- He's part of a metal-detecting club.
American English
- We followed a strict metal-detector protocol at the stadium.
- She has a metal-detecting hobby.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
All visitors must pass through the walk-through metal detector in the lobby.
Academic
The archaeological team employed a ground-penetrating radar and a high-sensitivity metal detector to survey the site.
Everyday
I bought a cheap metal detector to see if I could find any old coins in the garden.
Technical
The pulse induction metal detector is less affected by mineralised ground than a very low frequency (VLF) model.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metal detector”
- Using 'metal detector' as a verb (correct: 'to use a metal detector' or 'to go metal detecting'). Confusing it with 'mine detector' (specific for explosives).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word noun phrase, consistently written as two separate words.
A metal detector finds general metallic objects. A mine detector is a specialised type designed to locate landmines, often tuned to specific materials and shapes.
No. The device is a noun. The activity is described by the phrasal verb 'to go metal detecting' or simply 'to detect' in context.
Yes. Common types include Very Low Frequency (VLF) for general use, Pulse Induction (PI) for mineralised soils/saltwater, and beat-frequency oscillation (BFO), which is older and simpler.
A portable electronic device used to locate nearby metallic objects by generating a magnetic field and detecting disruptions caused by metal.
Metal detector is usually neutral; common in everyday, security, technical, and hobbyist contexts. in register.
Metal detector: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmetl dɪˌtektə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmedl dɪˌtektər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set off alarm bells (related conceptually)”
- “A needle in a haystack (contrasting concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METAL DETECTOR' = 'METAL' (the object) + 'DETECTOR' (the finder). It DETECTs METAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEEKER OF HIDDEN VALUE/THREAT; A FILTER (separating the metallic from the non-metallic).
Practice
Quiz
What is a common hobbyist term for someone who uses a metal detector?