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
Synonyms
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
That’s because subs are stealthy and hard to detect.
—
Brad Lendon, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Those who had suffered under the Terror detected signs of clandestine resistance.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Therefore, monitoring wastewater virus levels allows authorities to detect the presence of COVID-19 early, even before clinical cases are reported.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Counterfeits can be difficult to detect, too, if shoppers order directly from international sellers.
—Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
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Brad Lendon, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
Those who had suffered under the Terror detected signs of clandestine resistance.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Therefore, monitoring wastewater virus levels allows authorities to detect the presence of COVID-19 early, even before clinical cases are reported.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Counterfeits can be difficult to detect, too, if shoppers order directly from international sellers.
—Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detect
Dictionary Entries Near detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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