destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r How to pronounce destroyer (audio)
dē-
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 Today’s great reads How Lego went from humble toy and destroyer of bare feet to black market item fueling crime spree. Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024 Since 2008, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has stationed a fleet of in the sea, including a destroyer and frigate, to conduct anti-piracy missions and buttress its status as a rising regional power. Aaron Glasserman, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024 The destroyers –the USS Truxtun, USS Donald Cook and USS Delbert D. Black — can carry dozens of different missile types to attack air, sea and land targets. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024 Clark Gable stars as Commander Richardson, a commander with a chip on his shoulder, and possibly a death wish, after losing a ship and much of his crew to a Japanese destroyer. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for destroyer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destroyer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near destroyer

Cite this Entry

“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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