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

For over 40 years, the Phalanx has stood as the Navy’s last line of defense, protecting carriers, destroyers, and other warships from threats that break through long-range missile shields. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

The proliferation of online chatbots and their growing use have raised questions about their potential as helpers or destroyers of our emotional well-being. —Gil Press, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Tensions further escalated after two Chinese vessels, a navy destroyer and a coast guard craft, collided near the reef last month, heavily damaging the latter, while chasing a Philippine coast guard cutter. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Four destroyers carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 4,500 Marines and sailors are deployed in the area. —Davis Winkie, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025

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