debris

noun

de·​bris də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-ˈbrē,
ˈdā-ˌbrē,
 British usually  ˈde-(ˌ)brē
plural debris də-ˈbrēz How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-ˈbrēz,
ˈdā-ˌbrēz,
 British usually  ˈde-(ˌ)brēz
1
: the remains of something broken down or destroyed
digging through the storm's debris in search of survivors
sifted through the debris of her broken marriage
2
geology : an accumulation of fragments of rock
3
: something discarded : rubbish
picking up debris after the parade

Examples of debris in a Sentence

After the earthquake, rescuers began digging through the debris in search of survivors. Everything was covered by dust and debris.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The weather service says flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 21 July 2025 This could include dead plants, piles of leaves, stones, or other debris. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 July 2025 The debris collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 21 July 2025 The historic flooding event killed at least 135 people in the state over the July 4 weekend and kicked off a massive search through mud and debris for those unaccounted for along the Guadalupe River in central Texas. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for debris

Word History

Etymology

French débris, from Middle French, from debriser to break to pieces, from Old French debrisier, from de- + brisier to break, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish brisid he breaks; perhaps akin to Latin fricare to rub — more at friction

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debris was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debris. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-;
ˈdā-ˌbrē
plural debris -ˈbrēz How to pronounce debris (audio)
-ˌbrēz
1
: the remains of something broken down or destroyed : ruins
2
: an accumulation of fragments of rock
3
: something discarded : rubbish

Medical Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris
də-ˈbrē, dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈdeb-(ˌ)rē
plural debris
: organic waste from dead or damaged tissue
a wound obscured by blood and debrisEmergency Medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on debris

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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