: 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
For Skinwalker, Kelsey uses drones, UAVs, LiDAR, sonar, photogrammetry, thermography, and other processes to examine the ranch landscape.
—
Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
Rescue crews have used sonar to look for the motorcyclist's body, and are doing visual checks from the river and the bank until dark.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 June 2025
The Mellon was once armed with missiles, torpedoes, and sonar, but all were later removed, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Wildlife officers used multiple boats with sonar to search for the missing man and were assisted by divers from the Sterling Fire Department.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 30 June 2025
Rescue crews have used sonar to look for the motorcyclist's body, and are doing visual checks from the river and the bank until dark.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 June 2025
The Mellon was once armed with missiles, torpedoes, and sonar, but all were later removed, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Wildlife officers used multiple boats with sonar to search for the missing man and were assisted by divers from the Sterling Fire Department.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sonar
noun
so·nar
ˈsō-ˌnär 
: a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves
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