destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce destroyer (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of destroyernext
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
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.
That would still leave three destroyers and their Aegis systems to support Europe’s air defenses. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 By June 2017, 37% of warfare readiness certifications for cruiser and destroyer crews in Japan had expired. — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 To this end, a large installation on Flight III destroyers is considerably more capable than the smaller variants intended for other vessels. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 Another Arleigh Burke-class destroyer assigned to the GWCSG, the USS Benfold (DDG-65), returned to Yokosuka earlier this month after suffering a power failure while operating in the South China Sea in July. — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destroyer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destroyer was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing destroyer

Rhymes for destroyer

See All Rhymes for destroyer

Browse Nearby Words

destroyable
destroyer
destroyer escort
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Cite this Entry

“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

destroyer

noun
de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce destroyer (audio)
1
: one that destroys
2
: a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles

More from Merriam-Webster on destroyer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for destroyer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about destroyer

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