destroyer

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noun de·stroy·er \ di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r , dē- \

Definition of destroyer

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

See destroyer defined for English-language learners

See destroyer defined for kids

Examples of destroyer in a Sentence

The pamphlet describes alcohol as a destroyer of families.

Recent Examples of destroyer from the Web

Hailstorms are the destroyer of crops, the harbingers of rot.

— esquire editors, Esquire, "How to B.S. Your Way to a Seven-Figure Book Deal," 23 Aug. 2017
In March 2015, an Allen expedition team discovered the remains of the Japanese battleship Musashi, and this past March his team found the Artigliere, a World War II destroyer.

— leigh hedger, Indianapolis Star, "Wreckage of USS Indianapolis found in Philippine Sea," 19 Aug. 2017
On August 2, 1943, his boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "Why JFK Kept a Coconut Shell in the Oval Office," 2 Aug. 2017
The Liaoning steamed into port Friday with its escort of two guided missile destroyers and a missile frigate, dropping anchor at a naval base across from the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island.

— christopher bodeen, The Seattle Times, "Recent developments surrounding the South China Sea," 9 July 2017
The destroyer was trailed by a Chinese warship during its Sunday voyage.

— lucas tomlinson, Fox News, "EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon sails destroyer near disputed island in South China Sea, officials say," 2 July 2017
Written by Samuel V. Franco and Evan Kilgore, Mayday 109 recounts how Kennedy, as the 26-year-old skipper of a Navy patrol torpedo boat, helped lead 10 of his 12 crewmen to safety after their craft was cut in two by a Japanese destroyer.

— oliver gettell, PEOPLE.com, "Ansel Elgort Cast as Young JFK in Mayday 109," 28 June 2017
Kennedy served as a naval officer in the South Pacific, commanding the Patrol Torpedo Craft (PT) 109 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, when a Japanese destroyer struck his boat.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Ansel Elgort to Play a Young JFK in Mayday 109," 27 June 2017
Although the Crystal is about four times the size of the destroyer, the Fitzgerald is built tough and managed to stay afloat.

— david hambling, Popular Mechanics, "These Are the Enormous Ships That Could Transport the USS Fitzgerald," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'destroyer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of destroyer

14th century

DESTROYER Defined for English Language Learners

destroyer

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noun

Definition of destroyer for English Language Learners

: a small and fast military ship that protects bigger ships
: something that causes the destruction of something

DESTROYER Defined for Kids

destroyer

play

noun de·stroy·er \ di-ˈstrȯi-ər \

Definition of destroyer for Students

1 :someone or something that ruins or ends something

2 :a small fast warship armed with guns, torpedoes, and sometimes missiles

Learn More about destroyer

See words that rhyme with destroyer Spanish Central: Translation of destroyer Nglish: Translation of destroyer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of destroyer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about destroyer

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destroyer

Definition of destroyer

Examples of destroyer in a Sentence

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First Known Use of destroyer

DESTROYER Defined for English Language Learners

destroyer

Definition of destroyer for English Language Learners

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destroyer

Definition of destroyer for Students

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