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

Of the ships and vessels waiting in the waters off Venezuela before the raid, the Ford carrier was the biggest hitter, leading a strike group — a formation of US Navy vessels that can include destroyers, cruisers and submarines. —Jamie Tarabay, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

All hail Anthropic, the destroyer of everything. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan The connective tissue between Michigan’s gargantuan frontcourt and skilled backcourt, Lendeborg is the versatile destroyer that gives Dusty May tremendous lineup flexibility. —Jim Root, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Trump has referred to aircraft carriers and their accompanying destroyers as armadas and flotillas. —Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 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