noun
Uncommon
detector
dih-TEHK-tuh
Detector (noun) means a device that senses and signals the presence of a particular substance or condition. Example: “The smoke detector went off when the toast burned.”
noun
1
A device that senses and signals the presence of a particular substance or condition.
"The smoke detector went off when the toast burned."
"Airport staff use metal detectors to screen passengers."
"We fitted a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen to keep everyone safe."
How to use detector
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device that senses something specific, like smoke, metal, or motion.
Common pairings
smoke detector
metal detector
lie detector
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like detector.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- detectors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The smoke _____ went off when the toast burned.
Etymology
From Latin detector, "one who uncovers" — from detegere plus the agent suffix -or.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for detector
vector
hector
rector
sector
ejector
Spector
director
defector
injector
inspector
collector
protector
See all rhymes for detector →
Frequently asked questions
What does “detector” mean?
The word “detector” means a device that senses and signals the presence of a particular substance or condition. In plain terms, a device that senses something specific, like smoke, metal, or motion.
How do you pronounce “detector”?
“Detector” is pronounced dih-TEHK-tuh (/dɪˈtɛktə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “detector” in a sentence?
Here is “detector” used in a sentence: “The smoke detector went off when the toast burned.”
What part of speech is “detector”?
“Detector” is a noun.
Where does the word “detector” come from?
The word “detector” comes from Latin. From Latin detector, "one who uncovers" — from detegere plus the agent suffix -or.
Is “detector” a common word?
“Detector” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a detector and a sensor?
A detector is a device built to sense and signal the presence of a specific substance or condition, such as smoke or metal, while a sensor is the broader term for any component that measures a physical property, such as light or temperature. Many detectors contain sensors as their core component.
What is the difference between a detector and an alarm?
A detector senses the presence of something, such as smoke or gas, while an alarm is the audible or visual signal that alerts people once a condition is detected. A smoke detector typically includes both the sensing element and the alarm that sounds.
What are common types of detectors?
Common types include smoke detectors, metal detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and lie detectors, each designed to sense a specific substance or condition and signal its presence.
