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

Conservative politicians and others skeptical of the nation’s covid response have had Munster and Rocky Mountain Labs on their radar for years. — CNN Money, 22 July 2026

For now, however, the Red Sox have elected to move in a different direction after a season in which results never matched the promise that first put Kirwin on the club's radar. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Is Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin on the Blues’ radar? — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Multi-sensor fusion Modern military drones can carry several different types of sensors, including electro-optical cameras, infrared systems, radar, and electronic warfare equipment. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 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