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

And every day, America is going to get stronger because for the first time now, our destroyers are in the strait taking the mines out. —ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency also reported earlier the nation’s armed forces monitored a US destroyer seen moving from Fujairah toward the Strait of Hormuz and conveyed this to the US via Pakistani mediators. —Angela Cullen, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

The destroyers crossed through the Strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf, CENTCOM said on social media. —CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

Iran signaled interest in the area through limited naval activity in April 2015, when Iranian naval officials said two destroyers had reached the entrance of Bab el-Mandeb, describing their mission as protecting commercial shipping. —Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 Apr. 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