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

Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Marcus Semien are the only Rangers making over $20 million in 2025, so the front office likely has room to pony up some cash if Alonso is on the radar. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Considered from a different angle, though, interest in places that weren’t previously on tourists’ radars can be beneficial. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Fighter jets, in particular, have developed some of the most advanced onboard radio and radar systems for communications, EW, and counter-EW. —Justin Ling, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024

The car is outfitted with Sony 4K cameras, radars, lidar, high-definition GPS, and other sensors. —Roberto Baldwin, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024

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