interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
variants or less commonly intercepter
: one that intercepts
specifically : a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles

Examples of interceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Russian MiG-31 interceptors flew over Estonia for about 12 minutes with transponders – onboard devices that automatically respond to radar signals by transmitting an aircraft’s identity and altitude, enabling air traffic control and air defense systems to track it – switched off. Frederic Lemieux, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 The interceptor serves parts of Virginia and Maryland. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 To prevent infestations from worsening while waiting for professional treatment, Carpenter recommends using box spring encasements and installing interceptor traps. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026 The deal aims to significantly increase production capacity and speed deliveries of Land Attack and Maritime Strike variants of Tomahawk, AMRAAM missiles, Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors (SM-3 IB), Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptors (SM-3 IIA), and Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interceptor was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

interceptor

noun
in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
: one that intercepts
especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers

More from Merriam-Webster on interceptor

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