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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 \

Definition of debris

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
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about debris

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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

 For a year afterwards, the debris left behind glowed with radiation ranging from X-rays to radio waves. — The Economist, "Gravitational astronomy proves its maturity," 22 Aug. 2019 The shower is produced by the dusty debris from the 109P/Swift-Tuttle, a comet that last came into the central solar system in 1992. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, "Perseid meteor shower 2019 peaks tonight: Best times, places to watch; livestream," 12 Aug. 2019 Last week, a debris removal crew found the can intact in the same chimney. — Camille Von Kaenel, The Mercury News, "Forgotten Paradise time capsule unearthed in Camp Fire debris removal," 31 July 2019 While leaf vacuums are not designed to tackle big piles of leaves, the best leaf vacuums are designed to make leaf and debris removal easy, so owning a good quality leaf vacuum can help seriously cut down on time spent clearing your yard or walkway. — Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, "The 7 Best Leaf Vacuums to Make Yard Work Easy," 26 July 2019 In addition to the projects, nearly $13 billion has been disbursed to the island for emergency work, such as debris removal and electricity restoration, and for direct food and shelter assistance, according to Puerto Rico officials. — Ledyard King, USA TODAY, "Puerto Rico hurricane recovery at a trickle as new crises emerge – and Trump fumes," 18 July 2019 About $163 million of that was for debris removal immediately after the storm. — Jasper Scherer, Houston Chronicle, "Houston gets $6.2 million from FEMA for Harvey vehicle repairs, replacement," 11 July 2019 One month after high winds pummeled Dallas' trees, sanitation workers have a long way to go before they're finished with storm debris removal. — Hayat Norimine, Dallas News, "Here are the neighborhoods Dallas still has left for storm debris cleanup," 9 July 2019 Bay County has spent more than $660 million on rebuilding since the hurricane, including roughly $400 million on debris removal alone. — Andrew Duehren, WSJ, "Hurricane-Torn Air Force Base’s Recovery Stalls as Congress Lingers on Disaster Aid," 4 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'debris.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of debris

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for debris

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

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More Definitions for debris

debris

noun
How to pronounce debris (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of debris

: the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed
: things (such as broken pieces and old objects) that are lying where they fell or that have been left somewhere because they are not wanted

See the full definition for debris in the English Language Learners Dictionary

debris

noun
de·​bris | \ də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio) \
plural debris\ -​ˈbrēz \

Kids Definition of debris

: the junk or pieces left from something broken down or destroyed

debris

noun
de·​bris | \ də-ˈbrē, dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈdeb-(ˌ)rē\
plural debris

Medical Definition of debris

: organic waste from dead or damaged tissue a wound obscured by blood and debris — Emergency Medicine

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More from Merriam-Webster on debris

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with debris

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for debris

Spanish Central: Translation of debris

Nglish: Translation of debris for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of debris for Arabic Speakers

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