radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

often attributive

1

: a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (such as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet)

2

: range of notice

fell off the radar after losing their first three games

Examples of radar in a Sentence

The approaching planes were detected by radar.

Recent Examples on the Web

National weather map National weather radar Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now? —Shivani Vora, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

For the next flight, SpaceX added protections to the sensors on the tower and will test radar instruments on the chopsticks to provide more accurate ranging measurements for returning vehicles. —Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025

The Bears are on the radar of other teams, even ones in the postseason, as everyone is curious which direction the coaching search will take. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

radio detecting and ranging

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing radar

• anti-radar
• Doppler radar
• fall off the radar
• on someone's radar (screen)
• radar astronomy
• radar beacon
• radar cruise control
• radar detector
• radar gun
• under the radar

Kids Definition

radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

: a device that sends out radio waves for detecting and locating an object by the reflection of the radio waves and that may use this reflection to find out the position and speed of the object

Etymology

from radio detecting and ranging