body scanner

Meaning

A body scanner is a security device used at airports to detect objects on a person's body without physical contact. Passengers stand inside the machine with their hands raised while it scans them. It is standard in modern airport security lines.

Examples

• I had to go through the body scanner because my belt set off the metal detector.

  I had to go through the body scanner because my belt set off the metal detector.

• Make sure you remove everything from your pockets before stepping into the body scanner.

  Make sure you remove everything from your pockets before stepping into the body scanner.

• Some passengers prefer a physical pat-down instead of going through the body scanner.

  Some passengers prefer a physical pat-down instead of going through the body scanner.

• The security officer directed me to the body scanner on the left.

  The security officer directed me to the body scanner on the left.

• Do I need to take off my shoes before I enter the body scanner?

  Do I need to take off my shoes before I enter the body scanner?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I must pass the body scan machine.

  ✓ I must go through the body scanner.

  Native speakers use the phrasal verb 'go through' and refer to the device as a 'body scanner' rather than 'body scan machine'.

• ✗ The security checked me with a body scanner.

  ✓ Security scanned me with a body scanner.

  The airport staff represents 'security' as a collective noun, and you 'go through' the scanner rather than being 'checked with' it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please step inside the ___ and hold your hands above your head.

  💡 The machine at airport security that scans your whole body.

  Show answer

  body scanner

• I hate going through the ___ because it always feels a bit invasive.

  💡 The imaging device used for airport security checks.

  Show answer

  body scanner