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

An additional six destroyers and two cruisers were stationed in the region with the capability of launching hundreds of missiles for both land attack and air defense, as well as a special operations mother ship. —R. Evan Ellis, The Conversation, 4 Jan. 2026

Then there’s the Zumwalt-class stealth destroyer program, which was started in 1998 with plans for 32 ships. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

With the latest orders, the LM2500 now equips every active Arleigh Burke destroyer, underscoring its central role in what is widely regarded as the US Navy’s most successful surface combatant program. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025

The Navy's Zumwalt‑class destroyers — the largest surface combatants currently at 15,000 tons — were reduced from 32 to three ships due to spiraling costs. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Dec. 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