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.
Ukraine is facing an acute shortage of interceptors to shoot down incoming Russian ballistic missiles. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 The advanced weapons most in demand and whose stockpiles have been drawn down are defensive missile interceptors, such as those launched by the Army's Patriot and THAAD systems, with a single Patriot interceptor costing millions of dollars. — Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026 Each canister holds four missiles, allowing compatible launch systems to carry multiple interceptors within a single launch cell. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026 Ukraine is now getting an average of 12 Patriot interceptor missiles per month this year — a sharp drop from delivery rates in previous years, Zelenskyy told reporters. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for interceptor

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Browse Nearby Words

interceptive
interceptor
intercession
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Cite this Entry

“Interceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interceptor. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interceptor

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