: 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
According to the New York Daily News, Bishop's group used sonar technology to scan the river for submerged cars.
—
Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024
Deputies used a sonar to search the water the next day and found his body, which was taken to the medical examiner’s office.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonar 
Brian Brant, Peoplemag, 20 May 2024
Deputies used a sonar to search the water the next day and found his body, which was taken to the medical examiner’s office.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for sonar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sonar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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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