How to pronounce sonar
Say it like SOH-nar. Sonar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sonar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SOH
- nar
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sonar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- narKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of sonar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: SOH-nah.
What does sonar mean?
- Artificial echolocation by use of electronic equipment, with hydrophones to locate objects underwater, using the same wave-analysis principles that radar uses.“They were able to detect the sunken wreck using sonar.”
- A device that provides such echolocation.“They finally bought a new sonar to replace the 40-year-old unit that sometimes didn't work right.”
- Any echolocation.“Submarines and bats both use sonar to navigate.”
Where does sonar come from?
By anacronymic evolution from SONAR.
Questions about saying sonar
How do you pronounce sonar?
Say SOH-nar. The American pronunciation is /ˈsoʊnɑr/. In British English it is /ˈsəʊnɑː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sonar?
Sonar has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SOH). Broken into parts: SOH · nar.
Is sonar pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsəʊnɑː/ (SOH-nah).