Abstract: A novel probe for the detection of S^2–, based on the different stripping speeds along the longitudinal axis, which causes the red shifts (?λ) of gold nanorods (AuNRs) and the change of color of the solution, has been proposed. This probe, with a wider linear ranging from 10.0 to 10000.0 μmol/L, a higher sensitivity (detection limit, 7.9 μmol/L) and a better selectivity has been used to determine the S^2– content in real samples, and the results were in a good agreement with those determined by methylene blue trihydrate method. The detection mechanism of the probe is also discussed.