[2] The Admiralty did not specify a standard design for destroyers, laying down broad requirements, including a trial speed of 27 knots (31 mph; 50 km/h), a "turtleback"[a] forecastle and armament, which was to vary depending on whether the ship was to be used in the torpedo boat or gunboat role.

[8][9] Lynx was laid down at Laird's Birkenhead shipyard on 1 July 1893 as yard number 597 and was launched on 24 January 1894.

[13] On 30 September 1897, Lynx and the destroyer Thrasher ran aground in thick fog off Dodman Point in Cornwall.

A steam main aboard Thrasher ruptured as a result of the impact, killing four stokers, with Lynx less badly damaged.

[17] In 1902 she served in the Channel Squadron,[18] underwent repairs to re-tube her boilers in May,[19] and took part in the Coronation Review for King Edward VII in August.