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
Such losses would represent a significant proportion of the 11 carriers and approximately 80 cruisers and destroyers currently in service around the world.
—
Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Japan lost four aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and hundreds of aircraft, while the U.S. lost one carrier, one destroyer and 144 aircraft during the battle.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
San Diego County sailors have also been patrolling the border area by sea, with USS Stockdale, a destroyer, taking up a position.
—Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
The third ship, a destroyer, on Sunday provided an escort to a Chinese sailboat in the Gulf of Aden, the Chinese navy said.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Andrew S. Lim, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Japan lost four aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and hundreds of aircraft, while the U.S. lost one carrier, one destroyer and 144 aircraft during the battle.
—Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
San Diego County sailors have also been patrolling the border area by sea, with USS Stockdale, a destroyer, taking up a position.
—Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
The third ship, a destroyer, on Sunday provided an escort to a Chinese sailboat in the Gulf of Aden, the Chinese navy said.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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