Crumbs: meaning, definitions and examples

🍪

Add to dictionary

crumbs

[ krʌmz ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the kitchen

Small pieces of bread, cake, or biscuit that have broken off.

Synonyms

bits, fragments, particles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crumbs	Used to refer to very small pieces, especially of food items like bread, cookies, or cake. Often associated with mess or leftovers. There were crumbs all over the table after breakfast. She brushed the crumbs off her lap.
fragments	Used to describe broken pieces of something, often implying that something was once whole and has been shattered. Can refer to physical objects, ideas, or memories. The vase lay in fragments on the floor. She only remembered fragments of their conversation.
particles	Used to describe extremely small pieces, often in scientific contexts. Can refer to elements, dust, or other minuscule substances. Dust particles floated in the air. Scientists study the particles in space.
bits	Used to refer to small pieces of anything, often random or varied. Can be food, objects, or even abstract concepts. Informal and versatile. There were bits of paper scattered across the floor. He added some bits of bacon to the salad.

Examples of usage

The floor was covered in crumbs after the children had eaten their snacks.
She swept up the crumbs from the table after the party.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

A very small amount of something.

Synonyms

hint, scrap, trace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crumbs	Use when referring to tiny pieces of food, especially bread or cake. Can also metaphorically suggest small amounts of something. She brushed the crumbs off the table. They only gave us crumbs of information about the project.
trace	Applies to very small amounts or indications of something left behind, usually in a context of something being barely noticeable. The police found a trace of blood at the crime scene. There was no trace of the original paint color.
hint	Suitable for subtle or slight indications or suggestions. Often used in providing a clue or a small amount of something. She gave a hint that she might be leaving the company. There was a hint of vanilla in the cake.
scrap	Best used for small pieces or fragments of something, often implying something discarded or not needed. Can have a slightly negative connotation. He found a scrap of paper on the ground. She refused to waste even a scrap of fabric.

Examples of usage

She only had crumbs of information about the new project.
He left her just emotional crumbs after their breakup.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

Break or fall into small fragments.

Synonyms

disintegrate, fall apart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crumbs	An exclamation used to express surprise or shock. This usage is less common and might be more colloquial or region-specific. Crumbs! I didn't expect to see you here. Crumbs, that's a big dog!
disintegrate	Describes the process of something breaking down or falling apart into smaller pieces, often completely. This term is commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to indicate thorough decomposition. The old documents disintegrated when touched. The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entry into the atmosphere.
fall apart	Can be used to describe something that is physically breaking into pieces or something that is failing emotionally or structurally. It conveys a sense of losing cohesion or order. The vase fell apart when it hit the ground. After the team lost the game, their morale began to fall apart.

Word

Description / Examples

crumbs

An exclamation used to express surprise or shock. This usage is less common and might be more colloquial or region-specific.

Crumbs! I didn't expect to see you here.
Crumbs, that's a big dog!

disintegrate

Describes the process of something breaking down or falling apart into smaller pieces, often completely. This term is commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to indicate thorough decomposition.

The old documents disintegrated when touched.
The spaceship disintegrated upon re-entry into the atmosphere.

fall apart

Can be used to describe something that is physically breaking into pieces or something that is failing emotionally or structurally. It conveys a sense of losing cohesion or order.

The vase fell apart when it hit the ground.
After the team lost the game, their morale began to fall apart.

Examples of usage

The old book was so fragile that it started to crumb as soon as she opened it.

Translations

Translations of the word "crumbs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 migalhas

🇮🇳 टुकड़े

🇩🇪 Krümel

🇮🇩 remah-remah

🇺🇦 крихти

🇵🇱 okruszki

🇯🇵 パンくず

🇫🇷 miettes

🇪🇸 migajas

🇹🇷 kırıntılar

🇰🇷 부스러기

🇸🇦 فتات

🇨🇿 drobky

🇸🇰 omrvinky

🇨🇳 面包屑

🇸🇮 drobtine

🇮🇸 mylsnur

🇰🇿 үгітінділер

🇬🇪 ნამცეცები

🇦🇿 qırıntılar

🇲🇽 migas

Etymology

The word 'crumbs' originated from Middle English 'crome', which meant 'small fragment'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to small pieces or fragments, especially in the context of food. The figurative use of 'crumbs' to signify a small amount or trace of something can be traced back to the late 19th century. Overall, 'crumbs' is a versatile word that has been a part of English vocabulary for a long time.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,564, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14561 recharge
14562 jointed
14563 unsupported
14564 crumbs
14565 piracy
14566 unfairly
14567 globular
...