side-scan sonar

noun

ˈsīd-ˌskan- 

: a sonar that scans the ocean floor to the side of a ship's track and is used especially for mapping the ocean bottom

Examples of side-scan sonar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In June 2021, the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist with the search for Leo at the lake using its brand-new side-scan sonar. — Edie Peffley, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026

New Hampshire Fish and Game deployed boats with side-scan sonar. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

The platform, called a towfish, resembles a small missile and carries multiple sensors, including port and starboard side-scan sonar. — John Femiani, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026

Environmental police have deployed side-scan sonar to try to gather data and detect anomalies on the ocean floor, officials said. — ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for side-scan sonar

• afrikaner
• conner
• honor
• honour
• wanner
• dishonor