destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r 

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

The images come just weeks after the launch of the Cho Hyon, the lead ship in the destroyer class and largest surface combatant in the Korean People's Navy—constructed at the Nampho shipyard. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Japanese forces lost four aircraft carriers, one cruiser and hundreds of aircraft, while the U.S. lost one carrier, one destroyer and dozens of aircraft. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

A day earlier, the destroyer USS Stockdale left San Diego to help with border security on the US-Mexico border. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

These destroyers, which are of the Arleigh Burke-class, provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, the U.S. Navy said. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destroyer

• destroyer escort
• self-destroyer
• tank destroyer

Rhymes for destroyer

• employer
• foyer
• oyer
• multiemployer

Kids Definition

destroyer

noun

de·​stroy·​er di-ˈstrȯi(-ə)r 

1

: one that destroys

2

: a small fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and often guided missiles