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
Tomahawks are commonly stocked on the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, many which are stationed in San Diego Bay.
—
Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
China has rapidly modernized its navy and air force, adding aircraft carriers, advanced destroyers, and long-range missiles to challenge US dominance in the western Pacific.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Japan's Defense Ministry also reported that three Chinese ships—the destroyers CNS Huainan and CNS Kaifeng and the replenishment ship CNS Dongpinghu, identified by hull numbers—passed eastward through the Soya Strait between Monday and Tuesday.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Pluto retrograde, on the other hand, is a system destroyer.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
China has rapidly modernized its navy and air force, adding aircraft carriers, advanced destroyers, and long-range missiles to challenge US dominance in the western Pacific.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
Japan's Defense Ministry also reported that three Chinese ships—the destroyers CNS Huainan and CNS Kaifeng and the replenishment ship CNS Dongpinghu, identified by hull numbers—passed eastward through the Soya Strait between Monday and Tuesday.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Pluto retrograde, on the other hand, is a system destroyer.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 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 2 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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