Battlecruiser: meaning, definitions and examples

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battlecruiser

 

[ ˈbætəlˌkruːzər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military ship

A battlecruiser is a large warship that is designed for speed and power, typically equipped with heavy armaments. These vessels were developed in the early 20th century to combine the firepower of a battleship with the speed of a cruiser, allowing them to outmaneuver heavier ships in naval warfare. While effective in their time, battlecruisers became largely obsolete with advancements in naval technology and tactics.

Synonyms

armed vessel, cruiser, warship.

Examples of usage

  • The British Navy launched several battlecruisers during World War I.
  • Battlecruisers played a crucial role in naval engagements.
  • The concept of battlecruisers was revolutionary for its time.
  • Modern navies have shifted away from using battlecruisers.

Translations

Translations of the word "battlecruiser" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruzador de batalha

🇮🇳 युद्ध क्रूजर

🇩🇪 Schlachtkreuzer

🇮🇩 kapal tempur

🇺🇦 бойовий крейсер

🇵🇱 krążownik bitewny

🇯🇵 戦艦巡洋艦

🇫🇷 croiseur de bataille

🇪🇸 crucero de batalla

🇹🇷 savaş kruvazörü

🇰🇷 전투 순양함

🇸🇦 طراد حربي

🇨🇿 bitevní křižník

🇸🇰 bojový krížnik

🇨🇳 战斗巡洋舰

🇸🇮 batalni križnik

🇮🇸 orræðisvél

🇰🇿 соғыс крейсері

🇬🇪 ბრძოლის კრუიზერი

🇦🇿 döyüş kruyzeri

🇲🇽 crucero de batalla

Etymology

The term 'battlecruiser' was first used in the early 20th century, around the time of World War I. The design was primarily developed by the British Royal Navy, which sought to create a ship that could outpace traditional battleships while still possessing significant firepower. The first true battlecruiser, HMS Invincible, was commissioned in 1908, and this led to a series of similar vessels being constructed by various naval powers. The concept was driven by the need for faster, more versatile ships that could engage enemy fleets effectively without the vulnerability of slower battleships. However, several significant defeats in naval battles highlighted the weaknesses of battlecruisers, particularly their armor and structural integrity. After World War I, the importance of dedicated battleships and aircraft carriers increased, leading to the decline of the battlecruiser class.