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)
Synonyms of crumble

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
: crisp sense 2

Synonyms of crumble

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Verb

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The plumbing was failing, the floors were uneven and posed tripping hazards, the foundation was crumbling and sewage sometimes backed up into a corner of the kitchen. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 After standing for more than a century, a piece of Tarentum's history is starting to crumble right in the middle of town. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
Sweet peaches and shrimp are served with buttermilk dressing, bottarga, fresh herbs and cornbread crumbles at Staplehouse. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While the coffee shop focuses on classic coffee flavors, its menu also offers sweet latte flavors such as the customer favorite banana cream, as well as butter beer, French toast, honey, lemon meringue and blueberry crumble. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crumble

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

Rhymes for crumble

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Browse Nearby Words

crumbiness
crumble
crumbled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crumble. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of crumble for Spanish Speakers

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