Crumble: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something, such as a building or food, breaks into small pieces, often because it is old or fragile.

• The old cookie started to crumble in my hands.
• The ancient wall began to crumble after years of neglect.

Used when something breaks into tiny pieces and loses its original form, often implying a total breakdown.

• The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
• The document began to disintegrate after being soaked in water.

Describes something that becomes unable to function properly or loses its structure, can also refer to emotional breakdowns.

• After years of use, the chair finally began to fall apart.
• She started to fall apart after hearing the sad news.

Indicates a gradual worsening or decline in condition, quality, or value.

• The condition of the roads has deteriorated over the winter.
• Her health began to deteriorate after she stopped exercising.

Often used to describe the action of breaking or falling apart into small pieces. It can also refer to a type of dessert where fruit is topped with a crumbly mixture.

• The old building began to crumble after years of neglect.
• For dessert, we made an apple crumble.

Refers to a dessert similar to a crumble, but the topping usually includes oats, making it crispier. It's often used in American English.

• We decided to bake an apple crisp for the potluck.
• The pear crisp was perfectly golden and crunchy.

Similar to a fruit crisp but usually without oats in the topping. Often more common in British English.

• For dessert, we enjoyed a warm rhubarb crumble.
• The blackberry crumble was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Refers to a baked dessert where fruit is topped with a biscuit-like topping. It is commonly used in American cuisine.

• I made a delicious peach cobbler for dessert.
• The blueberry cobbler was the highlight of the dinner.