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.
Each launcher can accommodate either four or 16 interceptor missiles, depending on munition type. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 During the shelling, mobile fire groups, army aviation, electronic warfare units, Air Force warriors, and interceptor drones were in action. Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025 But stopping the massive drone onslaught is a job for far more numerous interceptor drones. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The Patriot system is a highly effective air-defense platform that includes a radar station to detect incoming threats, a command center to coordinate the response, and a missile launcher capable of firing interceptor missiles, each valued at approximately $3 million. Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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