: 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
During the search of Fox River, divers identified the 23-year-old woman’s vehicle using sonar technology and pulled it to shore, authorities said.
—
Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office used sonar technology to find the teen’s body.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2025
The sheriff's office said that their Marine and Dive units were using sonar technology to patrol the waters.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Game wardens and the other agencies searched for Nickens using boats and divers and on Wednesday used advanced sonar technology.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
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Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office used sonar technology to find the teen’s body.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2025
The sheriff's office said that their Marine and Dive units were using sonar technology to patrol the waters.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Game wardens and the other agencies searched for Nickens using boats and divers and on Wednesday used advanced sonar technology.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sonar
Cite this Entry
“Sonar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sonar. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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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