: 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
The department was using sonar units and drones to assist, as well as K-9 units, the TV station reported.
—
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
The idea is that combining cheap-to-make AUVs with their own heavy armaments that are equally cheap and linking them with an intelligent sonar network would create fleets of robotic subs able to engage enemy ships and submarines in numbers never before seen.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
With the assistance of an Indiana Department of Natural Resources sonar equipment, the body was found about 10 p.m.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
The search will continue with a specialized canine, three underwater drones, two aerial drones and up to nine boats equipped with sonar.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
The idea is that combining cheap-to-make AUVs with their own heavy armaments that are equally cheap and linking them with an intelligent sonar network would create fleets of robotic subs able to engage enemy ships and submarines in numbers never before seen.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
With the assistance of an Indiana Department of Natural Resources sonar equipment, the body was found about 10 p.m.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
The search will continue with a specialized canine, three underwater drones, two aerial drones and up to nine boats equipped with sonar.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 19 Mar. 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 29 Apr. 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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