radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär How to pronounce radar (audio)
often attributive
1
: a device or system consisting usually of a synchronized radio transmitter and receiver that emits radio waves and processes their reflections for display and is used especially for detecting and locating objects (such as aircraft) or surface features (as of a planet)
2
: range of notice
fell off the radar after losing their first three games

Examples of radar in a Sentence

The approaching planes were detected by radar.
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'radar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

radio detecting and ranging

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of radar was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near radar

Cite this Entry

“Radar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radar. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

radar

noun
ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär How to pronounce radar (audio)
: a device that sends out radio waves for detecting and locating an object by the reflection of the radio waves and that may use this reflection to find out the position and speed of the object
Etymology

from radio detecting and ranging

More from Merriam-Webster on radar

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