echolocation

noun

echo·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌe-kō-lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce echolocation (audio)
: a physiological process for locating distant or invisible objects (such as prey) by sound waves reflected back to the emitter (such as a bat) from the objects

Examples of echolocation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bats are skilled nocturnal hunters that use echolocation to find, track, and catch their prey. Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 May 2024 Many species have evolved eardrum-like structures that can detect bat echolocation, which gives them escape options. Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 May 2024 Some of the species are either too wary of people or fly too high for trapping, but acoustics equipment can pick up their echolocation chirps, and the computer is programmed to identify the sounds by species. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024 It’s long been understood that the animals possess an ability — unique among whales — to visibly change the appearance of their heads by moving a lump on their foreheads known as a melon, which are used for echolocation. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for echolocation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'echolocation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of echolocation was circa 1944

Dictionary Entries Near echolocation

Cite this Entry

“Echolocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/echolocation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

echolocation

noun
echo·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌek-ō-lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce echolocation (audio)
: a process for locating distant or invisible objects by means of sound waves reflected back to the sender from the objects

More from Merriam-Webster on echolocation

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