minesweeper

1 of 2

noun (1)

mine·​sweep·​er ˈmīn-ˌswē-pər How to pronounce minesweeper (audio)
: a warship for removing or neutralizing mines by dragging
minesweeping
ˈmīn-ˌswē-piŋ How to pronounce minesweeper (audio)
noun

minesweeping

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the action of dragging a body of water for submarine or floating mines in order to remove, neutralize, explode, or otherwise make them harmless

Examples of minesweeper 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.
Noun
After minesweepers do their work, destroyers would be sent in to escort oil tankers. — Tom Bowman, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026 There are more than hints of this already, the UK and Germany ready to deploy minesweepers to the Strait. — Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 His father was a carpenter helping build minesweepers at Terminal Island for the Navy. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 This technology could prove useful in the Strait of Hormuz if Iran were to use electronic warfare against minesweepers. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minesweeper

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minesweeper was in 1904

Rhymes for minesweeper

See All Rhymes for minesweeper

Browse Nearby Words

minestrone
minesweeper
minesweeping
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minesweeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minesweeper. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minesweeper

noun
mine·​sweep·​er ˈmīn-ˌswē-pər How to pronounce minesweeper (audio)
: a warship for removing or destroying mines

More from Merriam-Webster on minesweeper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minesweeper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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