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.
So, rather than deploying a destroyer at hundreds of dollars a day, these solar drones can provide a similar capability at a fraction of the cost. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026 Taiwan’s destroyers and frigates, many of which are based on 50-year-old American designs, are well understood and therefore institutionally safe choices. — Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Fenix, at one point countered an avalanche Mexican destroyer attempt, stunning Penta and turning it around into a Mexican muscle buster. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 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 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 7 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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