: 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 imagery shows the vessel’s bow still on land, with possible damage to its sonar section.
—
Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2025
The crew uses three types of sonars, including one with a scope that provides a live feed that’s almost like an ultrasound, Bussick said.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
Butler described jokes as a kind of sonar that detects like-mindedness.
—Lisa Hagen, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Harvard researched how to use sonar against Nazi submarines and how to muffle noise in long-range bombers, contributing to the development of fiberglass.
—L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2025
The crew uses three types of sonars, including one with a scope that provides a live feed that’s almost like an ultrasound, Bussick said.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
Butler described jokes as a kind of sonar that detects like-mindedness.
—Lisa Hagen, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Harvard researched how to use sonar against Nazi submarines and how to muffle noise in long-range bombers, contributing to the development of fiberglass.
—L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 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 17 Jun. 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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