crump

American  

[kruhmp, kroomp] / krʌmp, krʊmp /

verb (used with object)

1. to crunch or make a crunching sound, as with the teeth.

---

verb (used without object)

1. (of an artillery shell) to land and explode with a heavy, muffled sound.

2. to make a crunching sound, as in walking over snow, or as snow when trodden on.

noun

1. a crunching sound.

2. a large explosive shell or bomb.

3. Also called bump. Mining. a sudden ground movement in underground workings.

crump British  

/ krʌmp /

verb

1. (intr) to thud or explode with a loud dull sound

2. (tr) to bombard with heavy shells

---

noun

1. a crunching, thudding, or exploding noise

Etymology

Origin of crump

First recorded in 1640–50; imitative

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

crump

In February last year, the crump of artillery was still distant, but the factories had long since shut down as the city turned into a military camp with restaurants and barbers catering to soldiers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

Ghost doesn't flinch at the crump of a shell landing nearby.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2023

We hear the drills and the crump of the digger.

From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2023

With an explosive crump the right wing tore off and the Commando plunged toward the ground.

From Time Magazine Archive

I could see now why he was so anxious to crump it, for lying all around me in their carriers, were hundreds of gas shells.

From How I Filmed the War A Record of the Extraordinary Experiences of the Man Who Filmed the Great Somme Battles, etc. by Geoffrey H. Malins

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---