walk-through metal detector

/wɔːk θruː ˈmɛtl dɪˈtɛktə/

Meaning

This is a security archway or frame that passengers walk through to detect any metallic objects on their person. It is a standard piece of security equipment used in airports, government buildings, and large event venues.

Examples

  • Please remove your belt and coins before stepping through the walk-through metal detector.

    Please remove your belt and coins before stepping through the walk-through metal detector.

  • The alarm on the walk-through metal detector went off because of my watch.

    The alarm on the walk-through metal detector went off because of my watch.

  • Security staff will direct you to step inside the walk-through metal detector one at a time.

    Security staff will direct you to step inside the walk-through metal detector one at a time.

  • If you have a pacemaker, you should inform the officer before passing through the walk-through metal detector.

    If you have a pacemaker, you should inform the officer before passing through the walk-through metal detector.

  • The airport is upgrading to advanced body scanners to replace the old walk-through metal detectors.

    The airport is upgrading to advanced body scanners to replace the old walk-through metal detectors.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I had to pass the walking metal machine.

    ✓ I had to pass through the walk-through metal detector.

    'Walking metal machine' is incorrect; the standardized security term is 'walk-through metal detector'.

  • ✗ Please step into the walk-by metal finder.

    ✓ Please step into the walk-through metal detector.

    'Walk-by metal finder' is a non-standard description. Use 'walk-through metal detector' for formal accuracy.

Related Expressions

body scanner handheld metal detectorsecurity gate

Practice

  • Please remove all metal items from your pockets before walking through the ___.

    💡 The security archway that detects metal.

    Show answer

    walk-through metal detector

  • The security officer asked me to step back and go through the ___ again.

    💡 The upright metal-sensing frame.

    Show answer

    walk-through metal detector