Debris
/dəˈbriː/
Definitions
Scattered pieces of something that has been broken or destroyed; rubbish or wreckage.
/dəˈbriː/
Scattered fragments, typically of something destroyed or discarded.
The explosion left debris scattered across the street.
💡 Simply: Think of a messy room after a big party or a broken toy. Debris is all the little bits and pieces left behind. Like after a building falls down, all the broken parts are debris.
👶 For kids: Broken stuff left over after something breaks or falls down.
More Examples
Cleanup crews worked for days removing the debris from the flood.
The ship was lost, and the debris was found at the bottom of the ocean.
How It's Used
"Construction crews cleared the debris after the demolition."
"The hurricane left a trail of debris across the coastline."
"Space debris poses a significant threat to satellites."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From French *débris*, from Old French *desbrisier* 'to break to pieces', from *brisier* 'to break'.
The word 'debris' has been used since the late 17th century to describe broken pieces or remnants, initially in relation to military contexts and construction.
Memory tip
Imagine a disaster scene; debris is everything broken and scattered around.
Word Origin
"fragments, rubble"