: 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
Passive sonar listens quietly for engine noise, or transient sounds such as a torpedo tube being opened.
—
James Dwyer, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Drones are using sonar, laser, optic and echo sound technology to look for debris on the ocean floor at depths of up to 6,000 metres.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Feb. 2026
Cadaver searches of the area using K-9 teams and aerial drone sweeps were conducted, and water rescue teams used 2D and 3D sonar technology in their efforts to locate him, police said.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
After police K-9s tracked Romero’s scent to Vista Del Camino Park, police searched the lake with sonar and drones but found no trace of the missing man, AZFamily reported.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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James Dwyer, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Drones are using sonar, laser, optic and echo sound technology to look for debris on the ocean floor at depths of up to 6,000 metres.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Feb. 2026
Cadaver searches of the area using K-9 teams and aerial drone sweeps were conducted, and water rescue teams used 2D and 3D sonar technology in their efforts to locate him, police said.
—Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
After police K-9s tracked Romero’s scent to Vista Del Camino Park, police searched the lake with sonar and drones but found no trace of the missing man, AZFamily reported.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sonar
Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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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