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

As Aleppo’s defenses crumbled, Assad remained in Moscow, to the shock and dismay of his commanders back home. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026

Louvre Museum tightens security measures News of the robbery shocked the world and sparked criticism over the museum's inadequate security and crumbling infrastructure. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Noun

Also available starting Monday are new menu items, including Chocolate Pistachio Loaf and a Dubai Chocolate Bite a chocolate shortbread crust tart filled with pistachio cream and topped with a chocolate drizzle and pistachio crumbles. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Continue reading … CRUNCH TIME – New England snack tradition crumbles as iconic chip maker leaves state. —FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 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