interceptor
noun
in·ter·cep·tor
ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər 
variants
or less commonly intercepter
: one that intercepts
specifically
: a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles
Examples of interceptor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The United States and its allies have depleted their stocks of expensive air-defense missiles to try to shoot them down, forcing governments across the Middle East to rush-order cheaper alternatives, such as interceptors manufactured in Ukraine.
—
Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
That could include small interceptor drones launched from the ground, as well as electronic warfare to jam the incoming drones' signals.
—Sheena Samu, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Missile defense interceptors — which can cost between $2 million and $4 million each — aren’t a cost-effective tool to shoot down a $20,000 Iranian drone.
—Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Twin direct hits in southern Israel over the weekend injured at least 180 people, while an additional series of direct strikes — missiles that evaded interceptors — in central Tel Aviv earlier this week injured fewer than 10, according to health officials.
—Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
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Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
That could include small interceptor drones launched from the ground, as well as electronic warfare to jam the incoming drones' signals.
—Sheena Samu, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Missile defense interceptors — which can cost between $2 million and $4 million each — aren’t a cost-effective tool to shoot down a $20,000 Iranian drone.
—Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Twin direct hits in southern Israel over the weekend injured at least 180 people, while an additional series of direct strikes — missiles that evaded interceptors — in central Tel Aviv earlier this week injured fewer than 10, according to health officials.
—Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interceptor
Cite this Entry
“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interceptor
noun
in·ter·cep·tor
ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər
: one that intercepts
especially
: a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers
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