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 author also points to recent failed large defense programs, such as the canceled Constellation frigate program and the troubled Zumwalt-class destroyer program, suggesting the battleship initiative will likely be canceled before construction begins.

From Los Angeles Times

Its Eastern Theater Command in charge of the Taiwan Strait said it has lined up destroyers, frigates and fighter-bombers to test the military's "sea-air coordination" and "integrated containment capabilities".

From BBC

My grandfather was very much in the lion in winter stage of his life when he lived by the destroyer.

From Salon

The Navy has 287 ships in its inventory, mostly destroyers, cruisers, aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and submarines.

From The Wall Street Journal

During his first administration, he complained that he didn’t like the look of the service’s destroyers, and called for a return to steam-powered catapults to launch jets from aircraft carriers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• battleship
• ship
• warship