# radar

/ˈɹeɪˌdɑɹ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪdɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/radar
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. detection system

noun · CEFR B1

a system that uses radio waves to find where objects are and how fast they are moving.

For teachers: a method or device for detecting distant objects and determining their position or velocity by analysing reflected radio waves.

- The ship's radar showed another vessel approaching through the thick fog.
- Air traffic controllers rely on sophisticated primary radar to maintain safe distances between aircraft during peak travel periods at the international airport.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the technology, or countable when referring to the specific device.

### 2. awareness or attention

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

your ability to notice things or the attention people pay to something.

For teachers: a figurative capacity for detection, awareness, or social intuition; often used in the phrase 'on the radar' or 'under the radar'.

- The new technology wasn't even on my radar until you mentioned it.
- The small startup managed to stay under the radar for two years, developing its product in secret before a major public launch.

Teaching tip: Commonly used in business and social contexts to describe whether something is being considered or noticed.

### 3. to scan

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to check or track something using a radar device.

For teachers: to use a radar apparatus to scan or monitor a person, object, or area.

- The police radared the cars as they drove past the school zone.
- Coastal patrol units radared the horizon throughout the night to intercept any unidentified vessels entering territorial waters.

Usage: This transitive verb use is less common in general conversation than the noun form.

## Examples

- The pilot uses radar to navigate through the thick fog.
- Air traffic controllers rely on sophisticated radar systems to maintain safe distances between planes during takeoff and landing.
- Advanced meteorological radar allows scientists to track the internal structure of storm cells, providing critical data for early warning systems in regions prone to severe weather events.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.