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
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
One of the five Venezuelan opposition activists who recently escaped after more than a year confined inside the Argentine Embassy in Caracas says their dramatic rescue underscores the crumbling state of the Nicolas Maduro regime’s security forces. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025 Prosecutors say Read struck John O’Keefe with her Lexus SUV and left him to freeze and die on the front lawn of 34 Fairview Road in Canton in the early morning of Jan. 29, 2022, after yet another argument in their crumbling relationship. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Noun
The add-ins can range from crunchy cucumbers, bell peppers, or celery, to delicate ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes, feta crumbles, or baby spinach. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 May 2025 Buffalo wings with blue cheese crumbles round out the menu, honoring tradition amid the novelty. Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crumble. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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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