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

The monitoring devices float and use sonar to detect submarines and other vessels. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

Standard sonar often fails in shallow waters, while cameras are blinded by shifting sands and the simple distortion of rolling ocean waves. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

First responders, law enforcement and volunteers used boats, divers, sonar, helicopters, drones, UTVs/ATVs, and K9 and cadaver dogs to aid in the search. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

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