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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

 Officers eventually went back into the house on June 21 and a detective discovered Capobianco’s skull buried under debris in the bedroom, prosecutors said. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com, "Parma Heights man convicted in prison pen-pal murders sentenced to death vows ‘it’s not over’," 14 Aug. 2019 Park officials confirm a car driven by a family of five from Utah was caught in a rock fall that generated enough debris to fill the bed of a pickup truck. — CBS News, "Girl killed when rockslide hits family's car at Glacier National Park," 14 Aug. 2019 The park estimated enough debris came from the rockfall to fill the bed of a pickup. — NBC News, "Utah girl, 14, killed by falling rock at Glacier National Park," 14 Aug. 2019 Research has suggested that BIOCELL implants shed particulate debris at a higher rate than other kinds of textured implants, Dr. Clemens says. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "These Breast Implants Have Been Recalled Because of Their Link to a Rare Cancer," 13 Aug. 2019 From a video provided by the company, a major part of the rocket's large nozzle appeared to break apart, blasting debris around the area. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Four rocket companies are competing for Air Force funding, and it is war," 12 Aug. 2019 The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year when the Earth passes through the cloud of debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "Catch a shooting star: The summer's best meteor shower – the Perseids – peak tonight," 12 Aug. 2019 The other 85 to 90 percent result from human causes, including unattended camp and debris fires, discarded cigarettes, and arson. — Claire Wolters, National Geographic, "Wildfires, explained," 11 Aug. 2019 That’s when the Earth will be in the thickest part of the debris trail. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, "Sky Watch: Don’t wait for its peak to look for the Perseid meteor shower," 11 Aug. 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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