radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Chances are the mid-sized city of Toledo, Ohio, isn't on your winter travel radar — and that may be a mistake. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2024

Aircrafts manned by hurricane hunters fly into the center of the storm to collect radar and wind data. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2024

Experiments conducted in the region have kicked off a lot of interest, Mercer noted — a development that landed on the radar of the Biden administration and led to multiple million-dollar investments. —Shawna Chen, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024

Shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments are a given, but clarifying hair products should also be on your radar. —Jessica Fields, Essence, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

radio detecting and ranging

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing radar

• anti-radar
• Doppler radar
• fall off the radar
• on someone's radar (screen)
• radar astronomy
• radar beacon
• radar cruise control
• radar detector
• radar gun
• under the radar

Kids Definition

radar

noun

ra·​dar ˈrā-ˌdär 

: 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