detected; detecting; detects
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
: to work as a detective
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
This Navfalcon Hidden Camera Detector has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag; this gadget picks up the radio frequency (RF) signals that are emitted by cameras and alerts you when these wireless signals have been detected.
—
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Developed in collaboration with firefighters and landowners, Seneca claims its scalable aerial units will redefine how wildfires are detected, controlled, and contained in an era of growing climate risk.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Dogs trained to detect the scent of explosives assisted alongside bomb disposal experts from the Independent Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Police in Katowice at the scene.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Strong antivirus software can detect unusual behavior, protect against ransomware and alert you in real time if something attempts to access your data without permission.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
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Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Developed in collaboration with firefighters and landowners, Seneca claims its scalable aerial units will redefine how wildfires are detected, controlled, and contained in an era of growing climate risk.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Dogs trained to detect the scent of explosives assisted alongside bomb disposal experts from the Independent Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Police in Katowice at the scene.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Strong antivirus software can detect unusual behavior, protect against ransomware and alert you in real time if something attempts to access your data without permission.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detect
verb
de·tect
di-ˈtekt 
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detection
noun
-ˈtek-shən
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