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

Explosions and military sonar can disorient or injure animals that rely on sound to communicate and navigate. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Ultra Maritime, for example, demonstrated its Sea Spear deployable sonar against medium- and large-diameter UUVs. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Monterey County Sheriff's Office On Monday, the search resumed, with teams utilizing multiple techniques, including sonar. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The search teams from across counties, the city and the state used helicopters, boats, sonar, drones and cadaver dogs to search a nine-mile stretch of the river. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 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