# scanner

/ˈskænɝ/ (US) · /skˈænɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. document scanner

noun · CEFR A2

a machine that copies paper documents or photos and turns them into digital files on a computer.

For teachers: an optical device that digitises physical documents, photographs, or text for electronic storage and processing.

- I used the scanner to send a digital copy of my passport to the bank.
- The office upgraded to a high-speed scanner to facilitate the digitisation of their extensive paper archives.

### 2. medical scanner

noun · CEFR B1

a large medical machine that takes pictures of the inside of your body.

For teachers: a diagnostic device, such as an MRI or CT machine, that uses radiation or ultrasound to produce internal images of a patient.

- The doctor sent him to the hospital for a brain scanner to check his injury.
- The hospital recently invested in a state-of-the-art MRI scanner to improve the accuracy of early-stage cancer detections.

### 3. barcode reader

noun · CEFR A2

a small device used in shops to read the price and information on a product.

For teachers: an optical input device used to read and decode printed barcodes or QR codes, typically for retail or inventory purposes.

- The cashier used a handheld scanner to check the price of the milk.
- Warehouse staff use wireless scanners to track inventory levels in real-time as shipments arrive at the loading dock.

### 4. radio scanner

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a radio that automatically searches through different frequencies to find a signal.

For teachers: a radio receiver that automatically tunes through a sequence of frequencies to monitor transmissions.

- He listened to the local emergency services on his radio scanner.
- The hobbyist used a sophisticated scanner to monitor air traffic control frequencies from his home near the airport.

## Examples

- I need to use the scanner to send you this signed contract.
- The cashier used a handheld scanner to quickly ring up all the groceries in the cart.
- High-resolution scanners allow historians to archive fragile manuscripts without risking damage to the original paper through excessive handling.

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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.