minesweeper

noun

mine·​sweep·​er ˈmīn-ˌswē-pər How to pronounce minesweeper (audio)
: a warship for removing or neutralizing mines by dragging
minesweeping noun

Examples of minesweeper 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.
The navy also fields six Osa II missile boats, Pauk-class corvettes, minesweepers and numerous smaller patrol and support craft. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026 There are more than hints of this already, the UK and Germany ready to deploy minesweepers to the Strait. Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 This technology could prove useful in the Strait of Hormuz if Iran were to use electronic warfare against minesweepers. Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 The leader said Germany is willing to deploy minesweepers to aid the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but only when the fighting stops. Mallory Wilson, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minesweeper

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minesweeper was in 1904

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minesweeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minesweeper. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

minesweeper

noun
mine·​sweep·​er ˈmīn-ˌswē-pər How to pronounce minesweeper (audio)
: a warship for removing or destroying mines

More from Merriam-Webster on minesweeper

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster