# rubble

/ˈɹəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rubble
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the broken pieces of brick, stone, or concrete that are left after a building is destroyed.

For teachers: the fragmented remains of stone, brick, or concrete resulting from the demolition or destruction of a structure.

## Examples

- Rescue workers searched through the rubble for survivors.
- After the earthquake, the city streets were filled with rubble from collapsed apartment buildings.
- The historical site was reduced to a heap of smoking rubble, leaving archaeologists to piece together the remnants of the ancient temple from the debris.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as a collective noun for the mass of debris; rarely used in the plural.

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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.