radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

often attributive

1

: a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (such as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet)

2

: range of notice

fell off the radar after losing their first three games

Examples of radar in a Sentence

The approaching planes were detected by radar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Every second, the radar can beam out 1,800 short-pulse radio waves in a massive cone shape. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

For the players who hail from across the country to any number of such camps dotted across the land, the aim is to be spotted and noted, to land on the radar in this relentlessly competitive game of recruiting. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

How to stay safe during a tornado warning The NWS issues a tornado watch when conditions are right for a tornado to form in an area, and a tornado warning when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. —Laura Bannon, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Fame was never on my radar — and then I was thrust into that world in such a big way. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

radio detecting and ranging

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing radar

• anti-radar
• Doppler radar
• fall off the radar
• on someone's radar (screen)
• radar astronomy
• radar beacon
• radar cruise control
• radar detector
• radar gun
• under the radar

Rhymes for radar

• adar
• afar
• ajar
• alar
• alvar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar

Kids Definition

radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

: a device that sends out radio waves for detecting and locating an object by the reflection of the radio waves and that may use this reflection to find out the position and speed of the object

Etymology

from radio detecting and ranging