crumble
crumble Lexical Profile
crumble Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To break or fall apart into small fragments, often easily or under light pressure.
"The dry clay crumbled in her hands as she tried to mold it into a vase."
To gradually decay, collapse, or fail over time (usually regarding an organization, system, or abstract concept).
"The ancient empire began to crumble under the weight of continuous rebellion and economic strain."
• noun
British A traditional baked dessert consisting of a layer of fresh fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of butter, flour, and sugar.
"For pudding, they served a delicious rhubarb crumble with warm custard."
A mixture of coarse crumbs or a substance that has broken down into small, loose fragments.
"The ancient mortar had turned to a dry crumble at the base of the brick wall."
• Rhymes for crumble
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'crumblen', a frequentative verb derived from Old English 'crymban' (to break into crumbs), which is related to the noun 'crumb'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.