# scanned

/ˈskænd/ (US) · /skˈænd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scanned
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. looked at quickly

verb · CEFR B1

looked at something quickly to find the most important parts.

For teachers: examined a text or area rapidly to identify key information or specific details.

- She scanned the newspaper headlines while drinking her coffee.
- The researcher scanned the archives for any mention of the lost expedition, hoping to find a lead before the library closed for the weekend.

### 2. digitised a document

verb · CEFR B1

used a machine to turn a paper document into a computer file.

For teachers: converted a physical document or image into digital data using an optical scanner.

- I scanned the signed contract and sent it back by email.
- After the office went paperless, the administrative team scanned thousands of historical records into the new cloud-based database.

### 3. in digital format

adjective · CEFR B1

describes a document that has been turned into a digital file.

For teachers: referring to a document or image that exists as a digital reproduction of a physical original.

- Please send me a scanned copy of your passport for the application.
- The quality of the scanned image was too poor to read the fine print at the bottom of the original deed.

## Examples

- She looked at the scanned document on her screen.
- The security guard scanned the room for any signs of trouble.
- The doctor scanned the X-ray images, searching for subtle fractures that might have been missed during the initial examination.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.