noun Uncommon

sonar

SOH-nah

Sonar (noun) means a method of locating objects underwater by sending out sound waves and reading the echoes that bounce back. Example: “The submarine used sonar to detect the reef ahead.”

noun

A method of locating objects underwater by sending out sound waves and reading the echoes that bounce back.

"The submarine used sonar to detect the reef ahead."

"Fishing boats use sonar to find shoals of fish."

The equipment that produces and reads this kind of underwater echo signal.

"The sonar on the old destroyer had been upgraded twice."

How to use sonar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of "seeing" underwater by listening for sound echoes bouncing off objects.

Easily confused with

radar →

Common pairings

use sonar sonar equipment active sonar passive sonar

Word forms

sonars plural

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The submarine used _____ to detect the reef ahead.

Etymology

A blend formed from "sound navigation and ranging" — coined the same way as its cousin "radar" (radio detection and ranging).

Synonyms

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asdic echo sounder

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.