MEANING
Scattered broken pieces or unwanted remains left when something is damaged, destroyed, or broken apart.
Use it for
describing fragments scattered after destruction; showing broken material obstructing a place; depicting small remains left by a disaster; describing pieces collected from a ruined siteFocuses on scattered fragments or unwanted remains rather than an intact ruin or the process of decay. Writing functions: Ruin / Desolation.
Words that belong together
- scattered debris
- falling debris
- clear away debris
- a piece of debris
On the page
Debris from the shattered windows glittered across the chapel floor.
The stream carried a slow procession of leaves, timber, and household debris.
Word forms
- Base
- debris
Usage notes
Uncountable noun despite its final s: debris is, not debris are. Use a piece of debris or pieces of debris, not a debris or debrises. Usual pronunciation: duh-BREE. Register: neutral. Commonness: common (dictionary-informed qualitative editorial estimate; not a measured frequency).
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.