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
If a final algorithm detects a discrepancy among the four preliminary AI readers, a Progressive employee will determine the accurate option. —
Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bulky bill focused on AI regulation that would, among other things, require chatbots that can simulate human-like interactions to include a method for detecting expressions of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and direct people to mental health resources. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026 Beyond prevention, wearables have also proved helpful in detecting health problems. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026 The Curiosity rover has uncovered the most diverse array of organic molecules ever found on Mars, including seven that had never been detected before on the red planet. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detect
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.
Amancai Biraben, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bulky bill focused on AI regulation that would, among other things, require chatbots that can simulate human-like interactions to include a method for detecting expressions of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and direct people to mental health resources. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026 Beyond prevention, wearables have also proved helpful in detecting health problems. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026 The Curiosity rover has uncovered the most diverse array of organic molecules ever found on Mars, including seven that had never been detected before on the red planet. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detect
Cite this Entry
“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
