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

The book was still a few months away from publication in Italy, and Recchia’s name wasn’t on anyone’s radar yet, so receiving the manuscript felt a little like being let in on a secret. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

The Diesel spring 2027 show will wrap up Martens’ official six-year creative tenure but actually Rosso had the designer on his radar for several years prior to his official appointment at the brand. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

But while expansion by the end of the contract isn't a Goodell goal, having a full season's worth of international games is definitely on his radar. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

TrackMan uses Doppler radar and high-speed cameras to track every movement and measurement of a pitched or batted baseball in real time. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 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