debris

noun

de·​bris də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-ˈbrē, 
ˈdā-ˌbrē
British usually ˈde-(ˌ)brē
plural debris də-ˈbrēz How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-ˈbrēz, 
ˈdā-ˌbrēz
British usually ˈde-(ˌ)brēz
Synonyms of debris
1
: the remains of something broken down or destroyed
digging through the storm's debris in search of survivors
sifted through the debris of her broken marriage
2
geology : an accumulation of fragments of rock
3
: something discarded : rubbish
picking up debris after the parade

Synonyms of debris

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Examples of debris in a Sentence

After the earthquake, rescuers began digging through the debris in search of survivors. Everything was covered by dust and debris.
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.
Unlike Lake Michigan, debris and garbage settle along the riverbed and near the banks, forcing divers to search through sediment and obstacles while currents continue to move beneath the surface. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Ababu stated there could be more people trapped in the debris. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Surveillance footage obtained by the Daily News shows the explosion erupting on the building’s second floor, sending glass and other debris rocketing across the street. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Although no one observed the actual 5,400-mph (8,700-kph) collision, a telescope in Chile spotted what astronomers have identified as the debris plume resulting from the crash. — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debris

Word History

Etymology

French débris, from Middle French, from debriser to break to pieces, from Old French debrisier, from de- + brisier to break, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish brisid he breaks; perhaps akin to Latin fricare to rub — more at friction

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debris was in 1708

Rhymes for debris

See All Rhymes for debris

Browse Nearby Words

debrief
debris
debris-avalanche
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debris. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-;
ˈdā-ˌbrē
plural debris -ˈbrēz How to pronounce debris (audio)
-ˌbrēz
1
: the remains of something broken down or destroyed : ruins
2
: an accumulation of fragments of rock
3
: something discarded : rubbish

Medical Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris
də-ˈbrē, dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈdeb-(ˌ)rē
plural debris
: organic waste from dead or damaged tissue
a wound obscured by blood and debris—Emergency Medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on debris

Nglish: Translation of debris for Spanish Speakers

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