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
That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.
—
Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Other projects include a $2 million deal to develop a ground-penetrating radar for the moon as well as deals to develop several other scientific instruments.
—Brandon Lingle, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
On Tuesday, Bellingcat unveiled an online tool that uses radar data from an old satellite to look for damage from strikes throughout the region.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The missile defense system, known by the acronym THAAD, is aimed at the North Korean threat, but China said its radar could be reconfigured to peer into its territory.
—Ken Moritsugu, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for radar
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Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Other projects include a $2 million deal to develop a ground-penetrating radar for the moon as well as deals to develop several other scientific instruments.
—Brandon Lingle, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
On Tuesday, Bellingcat unveiled an online tool that uses radar data from an old satellite to look for damage from strikes throughout the region.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
The missile defense system, known by the acronym THAAD, is aimed at the North Korean threat, but China said its radar could be reconfigured to peer into its territory.
—Ken Moritsugu, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for radar
Cite this Entry
“Radar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radar. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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