Definition

1. Noun:
   • A warship designed for long-range combat: A "guided missile cruiser" is a type of large, fast naval warship. Its primary purpose is to operate independently or as part of a fleet, providing air defense, anti-surface warfare, and land attack capabilities.
   • A cruiser equipped with guided missile systems: The defining characteristic of this vessel is its primary armament of long-range guided missiles, which are used to engage air, surface, and land targets. It typically carries advanced radar and command systems to direct these missiles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The guided missile cruiser deployed to the region as a show of force.
  • Modern naval strategy often relies on the air defense umbrella provided by a guided missile cruiser.
  • The fleet's flagship is a powerful guided missile cruiser.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in military, geopolitical, and historical contexts to describe a specific class of capital ships that became prominent in the latter half of the 20th century, following the era of gun-armed cruisers.
• In discussions of naval power projection, a "guided missile cruiser" represents a versatile platform capable of multi-role missions.

Variants and Related Words

• Cruiser (n): A general term for a warship of similar size and speed, which may be armed with guns or missiles. A "guided missile cruiser" is a specific subtype.
• Destroyer (n): A smaller, faster warship often tasked with escort and anti-submarine duties, but modern destroyers may have similar missile capabilities, blurring the distinction.
• Warship (n): The broad category for all armed naval vessels.

Synonyms

• Missile cruiser: A common shortened synonym.
• CG (n): The U.S. Navy hull classification symbol for a guided missile cruiser (e.g., CG-47 Ticonderoga-class).

Related Phrases

• Aegis combat system: A specific integrated naval weapons system commonly associated with modern U.S. guided missile cruisers and destroyers.
  • The guided missile cruiser is equipped with the Aegis combat system.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the ship itself, not its missiles or crew. The "guided missile" component is an adjective describing the cruiser's primary armament.
• It is distinct from a "battleship" (heavier armor, larger guns) or an "aircraft carrier" (primary armament is aircraft).

Noun

1. a cruiser that carries guided missiles