debris

noun

de·bris | \də-ˈbrē,

dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈde-(ˌ)brē\

plural debris\-ˈbrēz,

-ˌbrēz \

Definition 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about 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

One pedestrian was hit by debris and has minor injuries. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Police: NB Central Parkway shut down after driver falls asleep, crashes into pole," 11 July 2018 The water can contain debris and contaminants that are detrimental to your health. — Rafael Guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "Fox River, neighborhood flooding reported in and around Elgin," 27 June 2018 Possible wind impact on mortar flight and post explosion debris fields. — Lauren Castle, azcentral, "Cave Creek cancels popular fireworks show over wildfire concerns; business leaders furious," 18 June 2018 Using shovels and backhoes, emergency workers dug through the debris and mud, perilous labor on smoldering terrain still hot enough to melt shoe soles a day after the volcano exploded in a hail of ash, smoke and molten rock. — Sonia Perez D., The Seattle Times, "Guatemala volcano death toll up to 69, expected to rise," 4 June 2018 Soon after the plane crashed at about 2:50 p.m., the police department said, a debris field was located approximately 1.5 miles south of Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett. — Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, "Search Suspended in Plane Crash That Killed ‘Contractor to the Stars’," 3 June 2018 The storm sparked last-minute runs on supplies, clogged evacuation routes, mass bewilderment, mountains of debris and needless death. — David Whitley, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Will Central Florida learn Irma's lessons?," 1 June 2018 The tiny lesions, which contain buildup from cell debris and calcium, even eroded through her conjunctival surface... and could have blinded her permanently. — refinery29.com, "You'll Never Fall Asleep With Mascara On Again After Seeing This," 31 May 2018 One exploded in the yard of a kindergarten, damaging its walls and scattering the playground with debris and shrapnel, about an hour before it was scheduled to open for the day. — Amir Cohen And Nidal Al-mughrabi, The Christian Science Monitor, "Gaza escalates attacks, Israel responds with airstrikes," 29 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'debris.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.