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
Synonyms 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 of 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Security cameras on the Chinese side of the border captured people running from a wall of debris as floodwaters rushed through a border crossing, sweeping away vehicles and buildings. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Roughly 20 to 30 plastic storage containers and a rubber spatula in the dish clean storage space were found stored as clean with sticker residue/food debris on their food contact surface. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 For larger plants, give them a thorough hose-down or shower, remove dead leaves and debris, and treat any visible pests before bringing them indoors. — Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026 In the Aetna neighborhood of Gary on Monday, power and tree crews covered the streets fixing lines and cutting debris left over from the storm. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debris

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of debris was in 1708

Rhymes for debris

See All Rhymes for debris

Browse Nearby Words

debrief
debris
debris-avalanche
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Debris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debris. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris də-ˈbrē How to pronounce debris (audio)
dā-;
ˈdā-ˌbrē
plural debris -ˈbrēz How to pronounce debris (audio)
-ˌbrēz
1
: the remains of something broken down or destroyed : ruins
2
: an accumulation of fragments of rock
3
: something discarded : rubbish

Medical Definition

debris

noun
de·​bris
də-ˈbrē, dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈdeb-(ˌ)rē
plural debris
: organic waste from dead or damaged tissue
a wound obscured by blood and debris—Emergency Medicine
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