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 interceptor missile costs somewhat more than each ballistic missile that it is designed to intercept, and the defending force often needs to fire more than one interceptor at each incoming missile to create a high chance of interception. — Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 Ukraine continues to face a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors. — Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Nearly two-thirds of Patriot missile interceptors have been depleted. — Bret Baier , Amy Munneke, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 However, the Russians and the Iranians have been firing ballistic missiles in numbers that outpace the rate at which Patriot interceptors are being produced. — Tom Bowman, NPR, 4 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of interceptor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interceptor

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