battle-cruiser

A battle-cruiser sails across the open sea.

Definition

Noun: - A large, fast warship with heavy armament but lighter armor than a battleship, designed for high speed and long-range engagement.

Usage Examples

• (A fast, heavily armed warship with reduced armor.)
• (The warship’s high speed was a key tactical advantage.)

Advanced Usage

• "battle-cruiser squadron": a group of battle-cruisers operating together.

  • The battle-cruiser squadron was tasked with scouting and raiding enemy supply lines. (A naval unit composed of these fast warships.)

• "battle-cruiser action": a naval engagement involving battle-cruisers.

  • The Battle of Jutland saw significant battle-cruiser action. (A specific type of naval combat using these warships.)

Variants and Related Words

• Battlecruiser (n): alternative spelling of "battle-cruiser" (often used without a hyphen).

  • The modern battlecruiser design influenced later aircraft carriers. (The same type of warship, with the hyphen omitted.)

• Cruiser (n): a smaller, faster warship, often with lighter armament.

  • The cruiser was outgunned by the battle-cruiser. (A general class of warship, distinct from the battle-cruiser.)

Synonyms

• Capital ship: a large, heavily armed warship of the highest class (broader category including battleships and battle-cruisers).
• Fast battleship: a battleship with high speed, similar in role but with heavier armor than a battle-cruiser.

Related Idioms

• "No battle-cruiser in the fleet": an informal phrase meaning no major warship is available for action.
  • We have no battle-cruiser in the fleet to counter the enemy’s advance. (No large, fast warship is present.)