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

Across large parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and every ocean no radar exists. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

That was predictable, and understandable given potential use of the system’s radars for information gathering. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

One of them was Tyson, who hit the prospect radar for NFL scouts with a breakout 1,101-yard performance in 2024. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

This was one of several areas in Beaver County reporting trees down, but radar data syncs up well with there potentially being a tornadic spin causing the damage there. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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