sonar

[ soh-nahr ]

noun

1. a method for detecting and locating objects submerged in water by echolocation.
2. the apparatus used in sonar.

sonar

/ ˈsəʊnɑː /

noun

1. a communication and position-finding device used in underwater navigation and target detection using echolocation

sonar

/ sō′när′ /

1. Short for sound navigation and ranging. A method of detecting, locating, and determining the speed of objects through the use of reflected sound waves. A sound signal is produced, and the time it takes for the signal to reach an object and for its echo to return is used to calculate the object's distance. The Doppler effect can also be used to determine the object's relative velocity. Electronic sonar systems are used for submarine navigation and for detecting schools of fish. Some mammals, especially bats, use biological sonar to navigate and detect prey in dark conditions, commonly called echolocation.
2. The equipment or physiology used in doing this.
3. See also Doppler effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonar¹

1940–45; so(und) na(vigation) r(anging)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sonar¹

C20: from so ( und ) na ( vigation and ) r ( anging )

Example Sentences

River searches had taken place since Ms Taylor was reported missing on 1 October, including the use of divers and specialist sonar equipment.

From BBC

The group is working together with tribes and state and federal agencies on a monitoring program, and scientists are using a newly installed sonar station to record images of passing fish.

From Los Angeles Times

County Lifeguards Marine Technical Search Team is using drones to search from the air and sonar techniques to search in the water, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Teams are conducting searches both above and below the water's surface, with those involved using specialist sonar equipment.

From BBC

Others, like dolphins and whales who use sonar for navigation, will be deafened.

From BBC