crumble

1 of 2

verb

crum·​ble ˈkrəm-bəl 

crumbled; crumbling ˈkrəm-b(ə-)liŋ 

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

Verb

• deteriorate
• descend
• worsen
• decline

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 fundamental bargain the United States offered has crumbled, and it will not be easily rebuilt. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Also, why put this burden on federal agencies that are experiencing record low staffing shortages in facilities that are crumbling. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Noun

Here are details on tiny frozen pancakes that promise to quash hunger and please even the pickiest of eaters and those that are likely to end up as back-seat crumbles. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

Sweet peaches and shrimp are served with buttermilk dressing, bottarga, fresh herbs and cornbread crumbles at Staplehouse. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for crumble

• bumble
• fumble
• grumble
• humble
• jumble
• mumble
• rumble
• stumble
• tumble
• umbel

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