crumbly

adjective

crum·​bly ˈkrəm-b(ə-)lē 

crumblier; crumbliest

: easily crumbled : friable

crumbly soil

crumbliness noun

Synonyms of crumbly

• brittle
• crisp
• friable

Examples of crumbly in a Sentence

a crumbly shortbread cookie

Recent Examples on the Web

Mix one part organic matter with two to three parts garden soil to create a crumbly, workable soil. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2026

While the streusel topping is crumbly, the inside of the loaf is soft and fluffy; it’s also studded with a hefty amount of fresh raspberries. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026

Too often, the crust is defined by its crumbly, hard-to-slice nature. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026

But for foods that are more crumbly and less stain-y, Miss Manners finds leather (or a stain-resistant slippery equivalent) a helpful material for getting things to slide right to the floor. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for crumbly

• dumbly
• humbly
• numbly

Kids Definition

crumbly

adjective

crum·​bly -b(ə-)lē 

crumblier; crumbliest

: easily crumbled