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

If gemstones are on your radar, Avoova’s owner is also a leading expert in tanzanite. —Emily Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

His play has gone under the radar, but Brown has quietly had a strong season for the Hurricanes as part of their outside cornerback rotation. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

This under-the-radar section has over 30,100 open box deals — items that have been returned but are in like-new condition. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Tanner was on Team USA’s radar for the World Junior Championships. —Brad Elliott Schlossman, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025

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
• ansar
• 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