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.
Fourteen million dollars were riding on whether Iran would strike Israel on March 10, and interceptor fragments didn’t count as a strike, according to the terms on the prediction platform Polymarket. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 When North Korea paraded six mockup ICBMs in 2012, the United States responded by ordering 14 more interceptors. — Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 Japan in recent years has fortified its southwestern region with longer range missiles and interceptors. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 As a kinetic interceptor, Seeker appears designed to physically strike its target rather than rely on a conventional air-defense warhead. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for interceptor

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Browse Nearby Words

interceptive
interceptor
intercession
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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interceptor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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