debris

Or dé·bris

[duh-bree, dey-bree, deb-ree]

noun

1. the remains of anything broken down or destroyed; ruins; rubble.

   the debris of buildings after an air raid.

   Synonyms: trash, litter, detritus

2. Geology.,  an accumulation of loose fragments of rock.

debris

/ ˈdɛbrɪ, ˈdeɪbrɪ /

noun

1. fragments or remnants of something destroyed or broken; rubble

2. a collection of loose material derived from rocks, or an accumulation of animal or vegetable matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of debris¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of debris¹

C18: from French, from obsolete debrisier to break into pieces, from bruisier to shatter, of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

Network Rail said the high winds hit "much harder and more quickly" than it expected, with fallen trees, flooding and debris blocking lines across the country.

From BBC

An amber wind warning is in place for parts of northern and western Scotland, where the Met Office is warning of power cuts and flying debris that could endanger life.

From BBC

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for wind and rain, as gusts may bring a risk of injuries from flying debris.

From BBC

On Thursday, rescuers searched through rubble as authorities worked to deliver food, restore power and communication lines, and clear roads of debris.

From BBC

Thirteen people have been freed from the debris since rescue efforts began, though two later died in hospital.

From BBC

Related Words

• detritus 
• junk 
• remains 
• rubbish 
• rubble 
• trash 
• wreck 
• wreckage