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
In addition to fighter jets and helicopters, the aircraft carrier can be defended by destroyers, frigates and submarines against threats in the air, at sea and underwater.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
In 1908, a 23-year-old Navy officer ran the USS Decatur, a destroyer with a crew of 75 men, aground while entering a harbor in the Philippines.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
In 1908, a 23-year-old Navy officer ran the USS Decatur, a destroyer with a crew of 75 men, aground while entering a harbor in the Philippines.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
Cite this Entry
“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 27 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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