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 vessel also uses advanced sensor systems for radar, sonar, GPS, and computer vision. —Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025

And then there’s Clase, who’s on the radar of some contenders who are salivating at the possibility of bolstering the back end of their bullpens. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Best Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals The standout electronics and tech accessories that should be on your radar are from HP, Sony, Beats, Bose, and more customer-favorite brands. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 9 July 2025

To give it a leg up, though, most teams use sensors like LIDAR and radar which provide superhuman ability. —Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 9 July 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