A rapid and sensitive cataluminescence (CTL)-based gas sensor using nanosized Y2Zr1.5O6 as a probe was proposed for direct determination of ether in air. Trace ether was firstly absorbed on active carbon at room temperature to concentrate, then desorbed at 65°C to determine. The sensor showed high selectivity to ether at wavelength of 510nm, satisfying activity at temperature of 310°C and good stability at carrier flow rate of 110 ml/min. The linear range of CTL intensity versus concentration of ether was 2~100 mg/m3, and the detection limit (3σ) was 1.1 mg/m3. The recovery of artificial sample was 95.4%—106.7% by this method. The response to formaldehyde, benzene, NH3 and ethanol was insignificant, and there was no response to SO2, CO and acetone. The technique is a convenient and fast way of determining ether in air.