radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

often attributive

1

: a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (such as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet)

2

: range of notice

fell off the radar after losing their first three games

Examples of radar in a Sentence

The approaching planes were detected by radar.

Recent Examples on the Web

Uninhabited strike vehicles can map Russian air-defense reactions, force radars to emit, identify gaps, and overwhelm local defenses. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Until now, the search for possible graves had been limited to what could be seen beneath the surface using ground-penetrating radar. — Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 30 June 2026

If the idea of a Splatoon looter-shooter appeals to you, then Splatoon Raiders should be on your radar. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026

Their advantage is not raw speed but survivability through low-altitude flight, route planning, and radar evasion. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

radio detecting and ranging

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing radar

• anti-radar
• Doppler radar
• fall off the radar
• on someone's radar (screen)
• radar astronomy
• radar beacon
• radar cruise control
• radar detector
• radar gun
• under the radar

Rhymes for radar

• adar
• afar
• ajar
• alar
• alvar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar

Kids Definition

radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

: a device that sends out radio waves for detecting and locating an object by the reflection of the radio waves and that may use this reflection to find out the position and speed of the object

Etymology

from radio detecting and ranging