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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Collymore established himself as a regular destroyer of defences and Clark was touted for manager-of-the-year awards. Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Kim was inspecting the warship Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class destroyer first unveiled in April, during a visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday, August 18. Robert Birsel shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 Last week a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Chinese destroyer collided in that region while pursuing a Coast Guard vessel belonging to the Philippines, a major U.S. military partner. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025 In response, the U.S. destroyer reportedly threatened the Iranian helicopter, but the pilot continued the mission and issued another warning, the report states. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for destroyer

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

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Cite this Entry

“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

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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