# crumble

/ˈkɹəmbəɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈʌmbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crumble
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to break into small pieces

verb · CEFR B2

to break something into very small pieces, or to fall apart into tiny bits.

For teachers: to break or fall apart into small fragments or crumbs. Often used as an ergative verb.

- The old wall started to crumble after years of heavy rain.
- The dry soil crumbled easily in his hands, revealing how little moisture remained after the long summer drought.

### 2. to fail or collapse

verb · CEFR B2

to lose power or stop working suddenly.

For teachers: to gradually deteriorate or suddenly collapse in a metaphorical sense, such as an empire, a relationship, or a plan.

- Their relationship began to crumble when they stopped talking to each other.
- The once-mighty empire began to crumble as internal corruption and external pressures weakened its central authority.

### 3. a fruit dessert

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a hot British dessert made of cooked fruit with a crunchy, crumbly topping.

For teachers: a baked dessert consisting of stewed fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of fat, flour, and sugar.

- We had a delicious apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- The chef prepared a seasonal rhubarb crumble, ensuring the topping remained crisp to contrast with the softened fruit underneath.

## Examples

- The old stone wall began to crumble after the heavy rain.
- If you overbake the cookies, they will crumble into a mess as soon as you touch them.
- The empire began to crumble from within as political corruption and economic instability eroded the foundations of its once-mighty institutions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.