crumbly

1 of 2

adjective

crum·​bly ˈkrəm-b(ə-)lē How to pronounce crumbly (audio)
crumblier; crumbliest
Synonyms of crumblynext
: easily crumbled : friable
crumbly soil
crumbliness noun

crumbliness

2 of 2

noun

crum·​bli·​ness
ˈkrəm-b(ə-)lē-nəs
plural -es
: the quality or state of being crumbly

Synonyms of crumbly

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Adjective

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Examples of crumbly in a Sentence

Adjective a crumbly shortbread cookie
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
For the dirt topping, feel free to follow your imagination and taste, substituting or replacing any of the ingredients with your favorite chocolate cookies or treats while still keeping the visual appearance of a varied, crumbly soil. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 Pulse until dough is crumbly but holds together when squeezed with fingers (if needed, add up to 2 tablespoons more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time). — Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 2026 Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2026 The middle is crumbly, moist and odorless, with bits of charcoal from long-ago fires. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crumbly

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1523, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crumbly was in 1523

Rhymes for crumbly

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Browse Nearby Words

crumblings
crumbly
crumb-of-bread sponge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crumbly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crumbly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crumbly

adjective
crum·​bly -b(ə-)lē How to pronounce crumbly (audio)
crumblier; crumbliest
: easily crumbled
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