sonar

noun

so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär How to pronounce sonar (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Search and rescue teams utilized sonar and thermal imaging equipment to aid in the search. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 June 2026 Maybe more importantly, the sonar shows that teams in the long-ball era were reluctant to play sideways. — John Muller, New York Times, 6 June 2026 The sea drones equipped with sonar produce a picture of objects under the water such as fishing traps and pipelines. — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Search efforts continued throughout the evening utilizing boats, sonar, rescue swimmers, divers, and aerial resources. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sonar

Word History

Etymology

sound navigation ranging

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sonar was in 1943

Phrases Containing sonar

Browse Nearby Words

sonant-surd
sonar
sonarman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sonar

noun
so·​nar ˈsō-ˌnär How to pronounce sonar (audio)
: a device for detecting the presence and location of submerged objects (as submarines) by sound waves

More from Merriam-Webster on sonar

Nglish: Translation of sonar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sonar

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