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.
Crews scoured the lake for weeks using divers, drones, sonar and cadaver K-9s, but never found him, officials said. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024 But this creates another research advantage: The platform is quiet—ideal for studying how sonar bounces off the sea floor and travels through water. Bysean Cummings, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024 Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar immediately began search-and-rescue operations, officials said. Rich McKay, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 Looking at his pass sonar below, his backwards and sideways passes are extremely accurate, particularly his long switches from left to right. Thom Harris, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024 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 30 Dec. 2024.

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
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