crumble

1 of 2

verb

crum·​ble ˈkrəm-bəl How to pronounce crumble (audio)
crumbled; crumbling ˈkrəm-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce crumble (audio)

transitive verb

: to break into small pieces

intransitive verb

1
: to fall into small pieces : disintegrate
2
: to break down completely : collapse
marriages crumble

crumble

2 of 2

noun

1
: something crumbled : fine debris
2

Examples of crumble in a Sentence

Verb Crumble the cookies into small bits. The recipe calls for the herbs to be crumbled. bones so old they had crumbled to dust She was extremely depressed after her marriage crumbled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The film is split into three distinct chapters that unfurl in reverse chronological order and set against the backdrop of a world that appears to be slowly crumbling. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024 When Humphrey died in 1957 from cancer, Bacall would have crumbled if not for her two kids. Emy Lacroix, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2024
Noun
Top French fries with savory or sweet flavor combinations: Buffalo Chicken: Buffalo chicken dip, fontina cheese, ranch dressing, bleu cheese crumbles, onion threads and green onion. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Aug. 2024 Traditionally, Greek style fries are showered in feta cheese crumbles, parsley, and onions. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crumble 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crumble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of Middle English kremelen, frequentative of Old English gecrymian to crumble, from cruma

First Known Use

Verb

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crumble was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near crumble

Cite this Entry

“Crumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crumble. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

crumble

verb
crum·​ble
ˈkrəm-bəl
crumbled; crumbling
-b(ə-)liŋ
1
: to break into small pieces
crumble bread
2
: to fall into ruin
relationships crumble

More from Merriam-Webster on crumble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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