destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce destroyer (audio)
dē-
1
: one that destroys
2
: a small fast warship used especially to support larger vessels and usually armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles

Examples of destroyer in a Sentence

The pamphlet describes alcohol as a destroyer of families.
Recent Examples on the Web This California transplant has been a destroyer of agriculture and scourge of politicians for 50 years. Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 There are crop destroyers, kitchen invaders, and insects that defend themselves with an unpleasant sting. Barrett Klein, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 In the past decade, the PLA Navy has also made major advances in corvette construction, built eight destroyers, and completed the aircraft carriers Shandong and Fujian. Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2024 Sullivan said Iran had launched almost 200 missiles but that most had been intercepted by U.S. Navy destroyers and Israel's air defense systems. Barak Ravid, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for destroyer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destroyer.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destroyer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near destroyer

Cite this Entry

“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

destroyer

noun
de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce destroyer (audio)
1
: one that destroys
2
: a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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