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

Another aircraft carrier is on the way to the region, with more naval destroyers in tow. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

Although their destroyer was somewhat imprudently named HMS Brazen. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026

And China already possesses the world’s-largest fleet of destroyers, frigates and surface combatants. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

Of the ships and vessels waiting in the waters off Venezuela before the raid, the Ford carrier was the biggest hitter, leading a strike group — a formation of US Navy vessels that can include destroyers, cruisers and submarines. —Jamie Tarabay, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destroyer

• destroyer escort
• self-destroyer
• tank destroyer

Rhymes for destroyer

• employer
• foyer
• oyer
• multiemployer

Kids 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