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 destroyer completed the builder’s sea trials earlier in 2025 before undergoing acceptance trials under the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

Combined, the carrier strike groups would include nearly 20,000 troops, up to 150 fighter jets and numerous destroyers capable of launching and fending off missile attacks. — Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

The four-hour film, coming to theaters this October, draws a portrait of Tesla chairman and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk as a reckless destroyer of democracy and dismantler of free speech. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Lavia was pulled out of position, and converted full-back James failed to recognise the developing danger the way a natural midfield destroyer would have. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

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