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

India is increasingly on the radar of global luxury giants, as the country’s disposable income increased by 24% between 2019 and 2022, according to Anul Sareen at global research company Euromonitor. —Matteo Atti, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Sensor fusion technologies take a combination of data from radar, lidar and camera sensors to create a detailed image of the driving environment. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2025

Here's what experts say DC Massachusetts Chicago, Illinois Indianapolis Atlanta, Georgia National weather map National weather radar Anthony Robledo is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025

Another area that should be on any design lover’s radar is Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, which landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 because of its 800 historic buildings. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 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