sonar

noun

so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär 

: 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

Pounding your chest activates a sonar wave that detects collectibles. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 1 July 2025

Water rescue and recovery teams searched the Neosho River with boats equipped with sonar. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 June 2025

Law enforcement officers searched the river in boats using sonar scanners, and divers from the Washington County Fire Rescue Dive Team searched the bottom of the river, but no one was found, said Washington County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025

Divers scoured the water and deployed sonar scanners to search for Daniel until nightfall. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

sound navigation ranging

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sonar

• side-scan sonar

Kids Definition

sonar

noun

so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär 

: a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves