wreckage

noun

wreck·​age ˈre-kij 

1

: the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked

2

a

: something that has been wrecked

b

: broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked

Synonyms of wreckage

• devastation
• destruction
• havoc
• demolition
• loss
• extinction

Examples of wreckage in a Sentence

Workers sifted through the wreckage of the building, searching for bodies.

They cleared the wreckage from the track.

Recent Examples on the Web

Music balances a cynicism about the state of the world with a never-ending quest to find meaning in the wreckage. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2026

The first is a tense sequence where Hwang as he and a group of men shoot their way through the wreckage of their town — only to finally come face to face with the gigantic alien preying upon them. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 July 2026

The counselor and two girls managed to escape, but three girls became trapped beneath the wreckage and drowned, officials said. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Based on the condition of the wreckage, historians believe the aircraft was likely shot down by coastal anti-aircraft batteries. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wreckage

noun

wreck·​age ˈrek-ij 

1

a

: the act of wrecking

b

: the state of being wrecked

2

: the remains of a wreck