plural debris
də-ˈbrēz 
dā-ˈbrēz,
ˈdā-ˌbrēz,
British usually ˈde-(ˌ)brēz
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
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
Both David and Linda were struck by falling debris when the tree came down onto the house, according to the WCSO.
—
Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 6 Aug. 2024
Walther and his colleagues propose simply stacking up the boulders from the lunar surface to make stone walls that could contain blast debris.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2024
The Bogg Bag’s rubber material makes for an exceptionally easy cleaning process after any sand gets into it, and the interior pockets keep debris and water out.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2024
There have also been massive public cleanup operations in the aftermath of some demonstrations, including in Sunderland and Southport, with local residents sweeping debris and helping to rebuild walls.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debris 
Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 6 Aug. 2024
Walther and his colleagues propose simply stacking up the boulders from the lunar surface to make stone walls that could contain blast debris.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2024
The Bogg Bag’s rubber material makes for an exceptionally easy cleaning process after any sand gets into it, and the interior pockets keep debris and water out.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2024
There have also been massive public cleanup operations in the aftermath of some demonstrations, including in Sunderland and Southport, with local residents sweeping debris and helping to rebuild walls.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for debris
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'debris.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near debris
Cite this Entry
“Debris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debris. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Emergency MedicineLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share