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

Surface-to-air missiles, radar networks, and anti-aircraft weapons are intended to detect and engage hostile aircraft, drones, and certain incoming munitions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

When those players sparkle at the four-year level, that’s when the draft radar comes their way. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Cychlorphine, a potent synthetic opioid described as up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl, is a new emerging opioid at the top of the DEA's radar. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 13 July 2026

His pages are typically filled with colorful weather graphics, radar imagery and forecast maps. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

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

Rhymes for radar

• adar
• afar
• ajar
• alar
• alvar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar

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