detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
detected; detecting; detects
Synonyms of detect

transitive verb

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
: demodulate

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective
detectability
di-ˌtek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
noun
detectable
di-ˈtek-tə-bəl How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
adjective

Synonyms of detect

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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
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.
Its sensing capabilities can help detect changes in temperature, humidity, lighting, and aspects of the home environment. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 On Thursday evening, Waymo provided CBS Colorado with additional information about what its vehicle detected before the crash. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Roosts can be hard to access, and as these fleet flitters can also dodge nets, not to mention breezily detect them using their echolocation capabilities. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Along with colleagues, Gauti developed a technique for detecting planets around distant stars. — Joe Palca, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detect was in 1574

Rhymes for detect

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Browse Nearby Words

detd
detect
detectable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detect

verb
de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detectable
-ˈtek-tə-bəl How to pronounce detect (audio)
adjective
detection
-ˈtek-shən
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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