destroyer

American  

[dih-stroi-er] / dɪˈstrɔɪ ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that destroys.

2. a fast, relatively small, warship armed mainly with 5-inch (13-centimeter) guns.

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destroyer British  

/ dɪˈstrɔɪə /

noun

1. a small fast lightly armoured but heavily armed warship

2. a person or thing that destroys

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Other Word Forms

• self-destroyer noun

Etymology

Origin of destroyer

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English destroiere (compare Old French destruiere ); destroy, -er ¹

Compare meaning

How does destroyer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• frigate vs. destroyer

Example Sentences

The U.S. has deployed a tremendous amount of combat power to the Caribbean, including its most advanced aircraft carrier, several Navy destroyers, F-35B fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones, among other weaponry.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Navy’s current inventory includes about 287 ships, including destroyers, cruisers, aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and submarines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Amid heightened regional tensions, China recently dispatched five warships near Japan, according to the joint staff office of Japan’s Defense Ministry, including two guided-missile destroyers, a cruiser, frigate and support ship.

From Washington Times

The U.S. destroyers based at the Rota naval base in Cadiz are the only ones with a permanent home port in Europe.

From Reuters

Like Majors, he has been a signature villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing the destroyer Thanos in several adventures, including “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” and another adversary, Cable, in “Deadpool 2.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• battleship
• ship
• warship