crumble
verb (used with object)
to break into small fragments or crumbs.
had crumbled
-
past perfectof crumble.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Andrea Canonico focused on her breathing to stay calm as she lay trapped under a building that had crumbled during the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
Daniela Oropeza, 34, who works in tourism and lives in the seaside community of Catia La Mar, said a district known as Playa Grande had crumbled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
They were pointing at a balcony on the second floor, which was completely destroyed and had crumbled on to the collapsed floor below.
From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2024
A house had crumbled in another area, and a search was underway to see if people were trapped in the rubble.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 31, 2023
We passed what must have once been the cafeteria, but the entire right side of the building had crumbled in on itself.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
