Tribals were cruiser-like in role, Burkes in scale and service

Which is closer to a cruiser, the Tribal-class destroyer or the Arleigh Burke class?

The Tribal is closer in concept and role, but the Burke is closer in built capability and actual service employment.

A ship's intended role can differ from its actual size and employment. A Tribal-class destroyer would need substantial growth to become a literal cruiser, but its gun-heavy presence role was cruiser-like in concept. An Arleigh Burke needs less alteration to reach cruiser scale and has outlasted many nominal cruiser classes in service. Labels can lag behind the missions and capabilities of modern combatants.