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.
High-speed operation generates additional noise, making submarines easier to detect with sonar. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 The search teams from across counties, the city and the state used helicopters, boats, sonar, drones and cadaver dogs to search a nine-mile stretch of the river. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said crews have been searching along a 9-mile stretch of the river using boats, sonar and drones. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Those organisms arriving in the fresh or saltwater contained in a ship’s ballast tanks can displace the wildlife native to a region, while dredging, sonar, and propellers cause noise pollution. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 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 8 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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