: one that scans: such as
a
: a device for sensing recorded data (as in a bar code)
a supermarket scanner
b
: a radio receiver that sequentially scans a range of frequencies for a signal
c
: a device that scans an image (such as a photograph) or document (such as a page of text) especially for use or storage on a computer
d
: a medical device for scanning a living body to collect diagnostic information see also ct scanner

Examples of scanner in a Sentence

a price scanner at a supermarket
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.
The prosthetic leg was put through the X-ray scanner, revealing a folding knife in the underside heel of the foot. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The scanner is nothing like current imaging technology. New Atlas, 26 June 2026 González also recommends using your phone’s camera to scan the QR code instead of a scanner app, as the native camera shows the full link before opening it. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 They are already used in technologies such as quantum computers, MRI scanners, fusion reactors, and maglev trains. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scanner

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scanner was in 1556

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scanner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scanner. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: one that scans: as
a
: a device that senses recorded information
b
: a radio receiver that scans a range of frequencies for a signal
c
: a device that scans an image or document especially for use or storage on a computer
d
: a device for scanning a living body to collect medical information

Medical Definition

: a device (as a CT scanner) for making scans of a living body

More from Merriam-Webster on scanner

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