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
With Aegis destroyers, advanced submarines, and F-35 jets, Japan emphasizes naval and missile defense.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Australia joined that group last December, with the successful firing of a Tomahawk by the destroyer HMAS Brisbane off the US West Coast.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
In total, approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors are deployed, supported by a cruiser, several destroyers, and a Los Angeles-class attack submarine equipped with more than 400 missile tubes capable of precision strikes.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Penta won the match with an avalanche destroyer, which has led to a storyline neck injury for Waller.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Australia joined that group last December, with the successful firing of a Tomahawk by the destroyer HMAS Brisbane off the US West Coast.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
In total, approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors are deployed, supported by a cruiser, several destroyers, and a Los Angeles-class attack submarine equipped with more than 400 missile tubes capable of precision strikes.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
Penta won the match with an avalanche destroyer, which has led to a storyline neck injury for Waller.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
Cite this Entry
“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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