sonar

noun

so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär How to pronounce sonar (audio)
: a method or device for detecting and locating objects especially underwater by means of sound waves sent out to be reflected by the objects
also : a device for detecting the presence of a vessel (such as a submarine) by the sound it emits in water

Examples of sonar in a Sentence

They detected the submarine by using sonar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Using sonar imaging techniques, the Brazilian Navy has positively identified the remains of the Vital de Oliveira, which is resting on the bottom of the South Atlantic Ocean roughly 40 miles off the coast of Rio De Janeiro. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025 Fire Chief John Donnelly said Friday that search teams have continued with sonar scanning, searching the Potomac’s shoreline and aerial operations. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025 His boat was a half mile off the port of Bermagui in New South Wales when sonar used for finding fish picked up the image. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Despite numerous sonar sweeps, nothing was found and K-129 was declared lost at sea. David Szondy, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sonar 

Word History

Etymology

sound navigation ranging

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonar was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near sonar

Cite this Entry

“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

sonar

noun
so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär How to pronounce sonar (audio)
: a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves

More from Merriam-Webster on sonar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!