: a method or device for detecting and locating objects especially underwater by means of sound waves sent out to be reflected by the objects
also
: a device for detecting the presence of a vessel (such as a submarine) by the sound it emits in water
Examples of sonar in a Sentence
They detected the submarine by using sonar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Sheriff’s deputies searched the area using sonar, underwater cameras and drones but were unable to locate any signs of Pomeroy due to heavy debris.
—
Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2024
Deputies searched the water using sonar, underwater cameras and drones, according to the statement, but authorities have yet to find Pomeroy’s body.
—Shania Baweja, CNN, 17 July 2024
Authorities deployed two helicopters, divers using sonar and other methods to canvass the area on Saturday and Sunday.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 17 June 2024
Salvage crews spent the final days before the federal channel reopened sweeping the wreckage site with sonar, LIDAR and magnetometer to identify and investigate any high spots to ensure no residual hazard to navigation.
—Dennis Valera, CBS News, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonar 
Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2024
Deputies searched the water using sonar, underwater cameras and drones, according to the statement, but authorities have yet to find Pomeroy’s body.
—Shania Baweja, CNN, 17 July 2024
Authorities deployed two helicopters, divers using sonar and other methods to canvass the area on Saturday and Sunday.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 17 June 2024
Salvage crews spent the final days before the federal channel reopened sweeping the wreckage site with sonar, LIDAR and magnetometer to identify and investigate any high spots to ensure no residual hazard to navigation.
—Dennis Valera, CBS News, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sonar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sonar
noun
so·nar
ˈsō-ˌnär 
: a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves
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