Meaning & use
sonar
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountabletechnical
A system that uses sound waves to detect and locate objects underwater.
Grammar: Uncountable when talking about the technology: 'Sonar is used to map the ocean floor.'
Patterns
- use sonar
- sonar system
- by sonar
The submarine uses sonar to navigate in the dark water.
Scientists used sonar to map the ocean floor.
Sonar can detect schools of fish and underwater obstacles.
nouncountabletechnical
A particular device or equipment that uses sound waves for underwater detection.
Grammar: Countable when referring to a specific unit: 'a sonar', 'two sonars'.
Patterns
- a sonar
- install sonar
- sonar device
The ship is equipped with a powerful sonar.
They installed a new sonar on the research vessel.
The fishing boat has two sonars for finding fish.
Word forms
| plural | sonars |
|---|
Common combinations
- sonar system
- The navy uses a sophisticated sonar system to track submarines.
- sonar signal
- The sonar signal bounced off the wreckage.
- sonar image
- The sonar image revealed a sunken ship.
- active sonar
- Active sonar sends out pulses and listens for echoes.
- passive sonar
- Passive sonar only listens for sounds made by other vessels.
Synonyms and how they differ
- echolocation
- Used especially for animals like bats and dolphins; sonar is typically human-made technology.
- radar
- Uses radio waves instead of sound, and works in air, not underwater.
Word family
- sonar operator noun
- A person who operates sonar equipment.
Commonly confused: sonar or radar?
sonar vs radar
Radar uses radio waves, while sonar uses sound waves underwater.
Practice
What does sonar use to detect objects?
Choose one answer.
Sonar stands for 'sound navigation and ranging', so it uses sound waves. Radar uses radio waves.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sonar”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.