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

Japan’s Aegis destroyer Chokai has officially gained the ability to launch long-range Tomahawk missiles after completing a series of modifications and crew training in the US that began last October. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026

The Navy exercised an option last year to add an additional destroyer to the contract. —ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

The missiles will be launched by the JS Chokai, a 528-foot destroyer that traveled to San Diego so its crew could learn how to handle one of the most potent long-range, subsonic weapons in existence. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

In 1986, the fleet included 113 frigates, ships smaller than destroyers but vital for missions such as escorting convoys. —Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 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