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
In the backfield was one of the best running backs in the league, a destroyer named Marshawn Lynch.
—
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Power-play problems persist One obvious area of concern has lingered throughout the season, and the issue has been heightened of late when the Avalanche did not perform like a destroyer of worlds in the other phases.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Other destroyers were positioned in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, while three littoral combat ships were in the Persian Gulf.
—Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The carrier strike group, which brought roughly 5,700 additional service members, joined three destroyers and three littoral combat ships that were already in the region.
—Konstantin Toropin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
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.
Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Power-play problems persist One obvious area of concern has lingered throughout the season, and the issue has been heightened of late when the Avalanche did not perform like a destroyer of worlds in the other phases.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Other destroyers were positioned in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, while three littoral combat ships were in the Persian Gulf.
—Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The carrier strike group, which brought roughly 5,700 additional service members, joined three destroyers and three littoral combat ships that were already in the region.
—Konstantin Toropin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destroyer
Cite this Entry
“Destroyer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destroyer. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
