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.
The search continued at Coes Reservoir on Friday with marine units, helicopters, sonar and dogs, according to CNN affiliate WCVB. — Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Explosions and military sonar can disorient or injure animals that rely on sound to communicate and navigate. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Ultra Maritime, for example, demonstrated its Sea Spear deployable sonar against medium- and large-diameter UUVs. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 Monterey County Sheriff's Office On Monday, the search resumed, with teams utilizing multiple techniques, including sonar. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sonar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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