direction finder

noun

: a radio receiving device for determining the direction of incoming radio waves that typically consists of a coil antenna rotating freely on a vertical axis

Examples of direction finder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lear was also known for his work on radio direction finders, autopilots, and the first practical car radio; the latter led to co-founding the renowned Motorola company. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 21 July 2023 The bowling pins are essentially radio direction finders for planes. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'direction finder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direction finder was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near direction finder

Cite this Entry

“Direction finder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direction%20finder. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on direction finder

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!