echolocate

American  

[ek-oh-loh-keyt] / ˌɛk oʊˈloʊ keɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. to identify where something is located based on the time it takes an echo to return and the direction from which it returns, a specialized technique used by a number of animals, including dolphins and bats.

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Etymology

Origin of echolocate

First recorded in 1940–45 as a radar term; echo ( def. ) + locate ( def. )

Example Sentences

So owners compete to lure the swiftlets by playing recordings of the clicking sounds they make as they echolocate.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2024

For years, bats were divided into two groups: big fruit bats, which don’t generally echolocate, and small bats that hunt by sound.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 26, 2022

Today they make up roughly 25 percent of mammal species, and although some bats rely solely on vision to hunt, most of them echolocate.

From Scientific American • Jan. 10, 2022

Underwater noise from the many ships, ferries and other vessels that traverse Washington’s waters interferes with orcas’ ability to communicate as well as to echolocate to find their preferred prey, Chinook salmon.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2021

Because neither animal can rely on visual clues, they have developed the ability to echolocate, to use, that is, sound waves to find their way around.

From Salon • May 27, 2015