radar

word

/ˈɹeɪˌdɑɹ/
RAY-dar
/ɹˈeɪdɑː/
RAY-dah

Definition

A system that uses radio waves to detect and track objects such as planes, ships, storms, or cars. It can also be used figuratively to mean awareness of something that may become important.

Usage & Nuances

Usually an uncountable noun in technical use: 'Radar detected the storm.' In everyday English, it often appears in fixed phrases like 'on my radar' or 'under the radar'. Don't confuse it with the screen or device alone; it mainly refers to the detection system.

Example Sentences

The airport radar tracks every plane in the area.

basic

The storm showed up on the weather radar this morning.

basic

That startup wasn't even on my radar a year ago, and now everyone is talking about it.

natural

We kept the project under the radar until we were ready to launch.

natural

If anything unusual hits the radar, call me right away.

natural

Police used radar to measure the car's speed.

basic