: 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
Using sonar technology, officials located the body 60 feet below the surface by the evening, officials confirmed, adding that it has been sent to the local coroner's office.
—
Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Crews pulled 27-year-old Ramon Diaz-Soria’s body from Lake Lanier on Sunday, June 15, after an extensive search that started the day before, said DNR spokesman Mark McKinnon.
Game wardens used sonar to find the missing boater and recovered his body in 60 feet of water, McKinnon said.
—Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Crews pulled 27-year-old Ramon Diaz-Soria’s body from Lake Lanier on Sunday, June 15, after an extensive search that started the day before, said DNR spokesman Mark McKinnon.
Game wardens used sonar to find the missing boater and recovered his body in 60 feet of water, McKinnon said.
—Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for sonar
Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 28 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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