destroyer
noun
de·stroy·er
di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r 
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
The pretty playmakers, particularly those deep in midfield, would be overpowered by athletic destroyers and box-to-box runners.
—
Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
In total, approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors have been deployed, supported by a cruiser, several destroyers, and a Los Angeles-class attack submarine equipped with more than 400 missile tubes capable of precision strikes.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
The force unveiled its most advanced warship, its first-ever destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in April.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
With Aegis destroyers, advanced submarines, and F-35 jets, Japan emphasizes naval and missile defense.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
In total, approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors have been deployed, supported by a cruiser, several destroyers, and a Los Angeles-class attack submarine equipped with more than 400 missile tubes capable of precision strikes.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
The force unveiled its most advanced warship, its first-ever destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in April.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
With Aegis destroyers, advanced submarines, and F-35 jets, Japan emphasizes naval and missile defense.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
Cite this Entry
“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destroyer
noun
de·stroy·er
di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r
1
: one that destroys
2
: a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles
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