crumble

[kruhm-buhl]

verb (used with object)

crumbled, crumbling 

1. to break into small fragments or crumbs.

   Synonyms: shatter, mash

verb (used without object)

crumbled, crumbling 

1. to fall into small pieces; break or part into small fragments.

   Synonyms: disintegrate

2. to decay or disintegrate gradually.

   The ancient walls had crumbled.

noun

1. a crumbly or crumbled substance.

2. crumbles, bits of crisp bacon, bread, etc., added to other foods, especially as a topping.

3. British Dialect.,  crumb; particle; fragment.

crumble

/ ˈkrʌmbəl /

verb

1. to break or be broken into crumbs or fragments

2. (intr) to fall apart or away

   his resolution crumbled

noun

1. a baked pudding consisting of a crumbly mixture of flour, fat, and sugar over stewed fruit

   apple crumble

Other Word Forms

• crumblingness noun
• half-crumbled adjective
• uncrumbled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crumble¹

1375–1425; earlier crymble, crimble; late Middle English kremelen, akin to crome crumb; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of crumble¹

C16: variant of crimble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German krömeln, Dutch kruimelen

Idioms and Phrases

see that's how the ball bounces (cookie crumbles).

Example Sentences

Mohammed now can't sleep in his own bedroom due to black mould, damp and crumbling plaster.

From BBC

In the few minutes it had taken to drop their son off, a landslide-plagued portion of the highway — ominously named Last Chance Grade — had crumbled.

From Los Angeles Times

President Xi has long sought to put himself at the centre of a new world order – one that replaces the crumbling global systems established after World War Two.

From BBC

DePree began work on the crumbling building and got planning permission in 2022 to refurbish it as an event and hospitality venue.

From BBC

He says the trust is "incredibly supportive" and able to fund major projects like the rebuilding of the school's crumbling early years buildings.

From BBC

Related Words

• break up 
• collapse 
• crush 
• decay 
• degenerate 
• deteriorate 
• disintegrate 
• dissolve 
• grind 
• tumble