sonar
2 synonyms for sonar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A method of locating objects underwater by sending out sound waves and reading the echoes that bounce back.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
asdic
echo sounder
How to use sonar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
use sonar
sonar equipment
active sonar
passive sonar
Etymology
A blend formed from "sound navigation and ranging" — coined the same way as its cousin "radar" (radio detection and ranging).
Full origin of sonar →Frequently asked questions
What does “sonar” mean?
The word “sonar” means a method of locating objects underwater by sending out sound waves and reading the echoes that bounce back. In plain terms, a way of "seeing" underwater by listening for sound echoes bouncing off objects.
How do you pronounce “sonar”?
“Sonar” is pronounced SOH-nah (/ˈsoʊ.nɑːɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sonar” in a sentence?
Here is “sonar” used in a sentence: “The submarine used sonar to detect the reef ahead.”
What part of speech is “sonar”?
“Sonar” is a noun.
Is “sonar” a common word?
“Sonar” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sonar” have?
“Sonar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a method of locating objects underwater by sending out sound waves and reading the echoes that bounce back.
