noun
- naval vessels designed to deploy explosive mines in water
Usage: nautical; military
Examples
- The navy deployed several minelayers to protect the harbor entrance.
- Enemy minelayers had scattered explosives throughout the shipping channel.
- Modern minelayers can deploy mines quickly and precisely.
- The fleet included destroyers, cruisers, and two minelayers.
- Minelayers worked under cover of darkness to avoid detection.
- The port was closed after minelayers were spotted in the area.