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 Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Teruzuki was discovered July 10, at a depth of 2,624 feet in the Solomon Islands, the Ocean Exploration Trust reported in a July 12 news release. —Mark Price updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025

There are two American destroyers believed to be operating in the Red Sea. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 10 July 2025

These will be installed on Japan's under-development destroyer, known as the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV). —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Customize for your pup: Tell BarkBox about your dog to help curate the best products for them Size based on weight (small, medium or large) Allergies (like chicken, beef or turkey) Play style (chewer, cuddler, destroyer, etc.) 3. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 2 July 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