torpedo-boat destroyer

[ tawr-pee-doh-boht ]

noun

1. a vessel somewhat larger than the ordinary torpedo boat, designed for destroying torpedo boats or as a more powerful form of torpedo boat.

torpedo-boat destroyer

noun

1. (formerly) a large powerful high-speed torpedo boat designed to destroy enemy torpedo boats: a forerunner of the modern destroyer, from which the name is derived

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpedo-boat destroyer¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Some ships of this description can spurt up to 25 knots—not so long ago considered a high speed even for a torpedo boat destroyer.

From Project Gutenberg

They knew that the torpedo boat destroyer had been headed nearly northeast when it overhauled, and picked them up.

From Project Gutenberg

He says he is having a fine time aboard the 'Paul Jones,' a torpedo boat destroyer, and he's learning a lot.

From Project Gutenberg

A British torpedo-boat destroyer was sunk on September 8, 1918, as the result of a collision during a fog.

From Project Gutenberg

That'll be about enough battleships; but it wouldn't hurt to have a couple of cruisers and a torpedo-boat destroyer, too.

From Project Gutenberg