crumbly

adjective

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

Synonyms of crumbly

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Examples of crumbly in a Sentence

a crumbly shortbread cookie
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.
Too often, the crust is defined by its crumbly, hard-to-slice nature. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026 This crumbly, salty aged cheese, made with either goat’s or cow’s milk, adds a sharp, salty flavor to dishes. — Rick Bayless, Midwest Living, 13 May 2026 Berries can become crumbly and inedible. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2026 This rendition of shortbread has all the flavor of a classic carrot cake, in a crumbly, buttery cookie form. — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for crumbly

Word History

First Known Use

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
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Cite this Entry

“Crumbly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crumbly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crumbly

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

More from Merriam-Webster on crumbly

Nglish: Translation of crumbly for Spanish Speakers

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