noun
Uncommon
scanner
SKA-nuh
Scanner (noun) means a device that converts paper documents or images into digital files. Example: “He fed the contract through the office scanner.”
noun
1
A device that converts paper documents or images into digital files.
"He fed the contract through the office scanner."
"The scanner jammed halfway through the stack of receipts."
"I use a flatbed scanner to turn old family photos into digital files."
2
A device that reads barcodes at a checkout or in a warehouse.
"The cashier waved the scanner over each item."
"The scanner beeped to confirm the price."
"The warehouse worker pointed the handheld scanner at the label on the box."
3
A radio receiver that sweeps across frequencies to pick up transmissions, such as police or emergency radio.
"A police scanner crackled in the background of the newsroom."
"My neighbour keeps a scanner in his shed to hear local radio traffic."
"Fans of the hobby tune a scanner to hear emergency service chatter."
4
A medical imaging device that uses X-rays, ultrasound, or similar technology to see inside the body.
"The hospital scanner produced a clear image of the fracture."
"She lay very still inside the scanner while it took pictures of her brain."
"The clinic bought a new scanner to examine patients' joints more clearly."
How to use scanner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA machine that reads something — a document, a barcode, a radio signal, or the inside of your body — and turns it into information.
Common pairings
barcode scanner
police scanner
CT scanner
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Word forms
- Plural
- scanners
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He fed the contract through the office _____.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for scanner
See all rhymes for scanner →Frequently asked questions
What does “scanner” mean?
The word “scanner” means a device that converts paper documents or images into digital files. In plain terms, a machine that reads something — a document, a barcode, a radio signal, or the inside of your body — and turns it into information.
How do you pronounce “scanner”?
“Scanner” is pronounced SKA-nuh (/ˈskænɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scanner” in a sentence?
Here is “scanner” used in a sentence: “He fed the contract through the office scanner.”
What part of speech is “scanner”?
“Scanner” is a noun.
Is “scanner” a common word?
“Scanner” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “scanner” have?
“Scanner” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that converts paper documents or images into digital files.
What is the difference between a scanner and a copier?
A scanner converts paper documents or images into digital files that can be stored or edited on a computer, while a copier produces a physical paper duplicate of a document. Many modern office machines combine both functions in a single device.
What is the difference between a barcode scanner and a document scanner?
A barcode scanner reads barcodes at a checkout or in a warehouse to quickly identify products or track inventory, while a document scanner converts entire pages of paper documents or images into digital files. They serve different purposes despite sharing the same general name.
What is a medical scanner used for?
A medical scanner is an imaging device that uses technology such as X-rays or ultrasound to see inside the body without surgery, helping doctors diagnose illness or injury. Common examples include CT scanners and ultrasound scanners.
Why is a police scanner called a scanner?
A police scanner is a radio receiver that sweeps, or scans, across a range of frequencies to automatically pick up transmissions, including police and emergency radio traffic. This constant frequency-sweeping action is where the device gets its name.
Example sentences
Sentences with a source are quoted from published work. Any opinions in them are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
The shop assistant ran the scanner over each item.
Airport security put her bag through the scanner twice.
The office scanner turns paper documents into PDFs.
The doctor sent him for a scan on the new scanner.
He used a police scanner to follow the chase.
A QR code scanner can read a code from a screenshot, a photo or your webcam, and check the link for phishing before you open it.
From
QR Code Scanner
