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

The role of melanin The ionizing radiation, typically a destroyer of DNA and cells, appeared to be a nutrient for these resilient fungi. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

But the fate of the Constellation class, with two ships still in the works, may be more akin to the Zumwalt-class destroyers. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

Earlier this month, the ship made a U‑turn off the coast of Venezuela after the destroyer intersected its course. —MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

The Ford joins a flotilla of destroyers, war planes and special operations assets that are already in the region. —Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 15 Nov. 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