interceptor

noun

in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌin-tər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
variants or less commonly intercepter
: one that intercepts
specifically : a light high-speed fast-climbing fighter plane or missile designed for defense against raiding bombers or missiles

Examples of interceptor in a Sentence

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.
Hard kills encompass nets, interceptors, bullets and other objects that physically take drones out of action in midair. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 That included the risk of dangerously depleting the number of defensive interceptor missiles available to the military’s Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the Middle East. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 And the United States recently granted a license to Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026 Unlike traditional interceptors that rely primarily on blast fragmentation, the PAC-3 family uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying incoming threats through direct body-to-body impact. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for interceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interceptor was in 1598

Rhymes for interceptor

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Browse Nearby Words

interceptive
interceptor
intercession
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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interceptor

noun
in·​ter·​cep·​tor ˌint-ər-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce interceptor (audio)
: one that intercepts
especially : a fast fighter plane designed for defense against bombers

More from Merriam-Webster on interceptor

Nglish: Translation of interceptor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interceptor

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