wreckage

noun

wreck·​age ˈre-kij How to pronounce wreckage (audio)
1
: the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked
2
a
: something that has been wrecked
b
: broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked

Examples of wreckage in a Sentence

Workers sifted through the wreckage of the building, searching for bodies. They cleared the wreckage from the track.
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.
Despite shifting networks and stunt-casting judges, the genre lies in the wreckage of itself. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 July 2025 The memorial service will provide that opportunity for the swimmers to celebrate their journey and remember the 29 men who died in the wreckage. Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 15 July 2025 Jonathan Lamb told reporters earlier in the week, urging residents not to touch mounds of wreckage before it’s properly searched. Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 July 2025 Curious history buffs likely won’t be able to visit the bow in person, as researchers have not revealed its exact location in order to protect the wreckage, per Popular Science’s Andrew Paul. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for wreckage

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wreckage was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

wreckage

noun
wreck·​age ˈrek-ij How to pronounce wreckage (audio)
1
a
: the act of wrecking
b
: the state of being wrecked
2
: the remains of a wreck

More from Merriam-Webster on wreckage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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