noun
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fragments or remnants of something destroyed or broken; rubble
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a collection of loose material derived from rocks, or an accumulation of animal or vegetable matter
Etymology
Origin of debris
First recorded in 1700–10; from French débris, Middle French debris, derivative of debriser “to break up (into pieces),” Old French debrisier, from de- de- + brisier “to break” ( bruise )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
People have been advised to stay in the lower levels of their homes, avoid windows, watch for falling debris and tree limbs, and use caution if they want to drive.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
Nearly 15 million cubic meters of ice and debris collapse into South Lhonak Lake, causing a 65-foot high wave.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
Interlune plans to estimate how much helium-3 is in the lunar regolith — that is, moon debris — through a lunar rover mission carried out with Astrolab in 2028.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
Outside the building, images showed the streets covered in debris along with damage to surrounding buildings.
From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026
Peach and I both began shouting as Daddy and Mr. Johnson appeared in the boat, dodging trees and debris and calling for us.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
