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.
Despite numerous sonar sweeps, nothing was found and K-129 was declared lost at sea. David Szondy, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2025 Sharma was inspired by a study that came out of World War II, where the military tried to use sonar to locate German U-Boats. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024 In the twentieth century, sonar technology increased, particularly during World War II when sound was used for navigating underwater, Hoy says. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 Once the robot goes off for a swim, however, traditional wireless signals won’t work, but the dock has its own sonar that can talk to the robot at several bytes per second. IEEE Spectrum, 10 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 2 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
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