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

Search and rescue teams utilized sonar and thermal imaging equipment to aid in the search. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Surveys by wildlife officers in Minnesota found people using forward-facing sonar ended up catching similar numbers and variety of fish as anglers who cast their lines the old-fashioned way. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

These include quieter engines, better sonar, upgraded sensors, and new electronic controls for steering the submarine. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026

Search efforts continued throughout the evening utilizing boats, sonar, rescue swimmers, divers, and aerial resources. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026

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