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
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.
Ties were so strained, for example, that in 2018 Japan’s Defense Ministry charged that a South Korean navy destroyer directed a targeting radar system at Japanese military patrol aircraft, charges that South Korea denied. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Dec. 2024 It was originally designed as a helicopter destroyer but is undergoing conversion to a light aircraft carrier. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 On these two peaks, within sight of each other, stood two opposites: an embodiment of European civilization and its eager destroyer. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024 Eventually, more than two dozen Japanese aircraft were launched to bomb the destroyer, finally leaving it dead in the water. Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near destroyer

Cite this Entry

“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 23 Dec. 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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