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 Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Teruzuki was discovered July 10, at a depth of 2,624 feet in the Solomon Islands, the Ocean Exploration Trust reported in a July 12 news release.
—
Mark Price
updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
There are two American destroyers believed to be operating in the Red Sea.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 10 July 2025
These will be installed on Japan's under-development destroyer, known as the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV).
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Customize for your pup: Tell BarkBox about your dog to help curate the best products for them
Size based on weight (small, medium or large)
Allergies (like chicken, beef or turkey)
Play style (chewer, cuddler, destroyer, etc.)
3.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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Mark Price
updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
There are two American destroyers believed to be operating in the Red Sea.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 10 July 2025
These will be installed on Japan's under-development destroyer, known as the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV).
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Customize for your pup: Tell BarkBox about your dog to help curate the best products for them
Size based on weight (small, medium or large)
Allergies (like chicken, beef or turkey)
Play style (chewer, cuddler, destroyer, etc.)
3.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
Cite this Entry
“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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