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

His first low-budget indie got a raft of positive reviews out of its premiere at Austin’s Fantastic Fest and effectively put the director back on Hollywood’s radar as a for-hire filmmaker. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Stay tuned for more artists to keep on your radar in upcoming installments of Billboard News’ Trending Up, presented by Sonesta International Hotels! — Billboard Staff, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026

Browne’s surge Saturday’s game features a rare battle between quarterbacks who are starting for the second straight year at the same school — Carr and Ryan Browne, whose improvement has largely fallen under the radar. — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

The area above Oak Glen in San Bernardino County saw about 2 inches of rainfall, according to radar estimates, said Stephanie Sullivan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 25 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