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.
Pentagon officials earlier said that B-52 long-range bombers, along with more destroyers, fighter squadrons and tankers, would be deployed to the region to deter Iran and its militant allies. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024 Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said that further destroyers, fighter squadrons, tankers and B-52 long-range bombers would be sent to the Middle East to deter Iran and its allies from conducting more attacks. David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Austin ordered additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, a fighter squadron and tanker aircraft, and several Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers to the region, press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024 Marissa Mayer didn’t say AI is Death, destroyer of worlds or even AI needs ethical guardrails. Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 17 Oct. 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 30 Nov. 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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