interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And there continues to be insufficient annual production of interceptor missiles globally relative to the offensive arsenals they may be pitted against. Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Air defenses can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers of incoming threats if there are more targets to intercept than interceptor missiles in launchers. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The Pentagon has also sent more missile defense assets into the Middle East since Israel began its largest ever conflict with Iran last week, causing worries about the U.S. too quickly using up its own interceptors, according to the Journal. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 18 June 2025 For example, Japan agreed in late 2023 to manufacture — under license — and export Patriot interceptor missiles to the U.S., whose stockpiles were depleted after supplying these missiles to Ukraine. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interceptor was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

interceptor

noun
in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
: one that intercepts
especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers

More from Merriam-Webster on interceptor

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