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

There were more battles between the US and Iran that day, including one where US Navy A-6 attack jets and a US destroyer sank an Iranian frigate with missile strikes. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026

Japan sent minesweepers to the Persian Gulf in 1991, troops to Iraq in 2004, and a destroyer and patrol plane to the Gulf of Oman in 2020. —Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026

Gecko said the work will be carried out across destroyers, amphibious warships, and combat ships within the Navy fleet. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

The French navy’s swift deployment contrasts with the United Kingdom's delay in sending the HMS Dragon destroyer, which left Portsmouth, England, on March 10. —ABC News, 16 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