I. ˈkrəmbəl verb
( crumbled ; crumbled ; crumbling -b(ə)liŋ ; crumbles )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by crumb ) (I) of earlier crimble, from Middle English kremelen, freq. of Old English ge crymian to crumble, from cruma crumb — more at crumb
transitive verb
: to break into or cause to fall in small pieces
intransitive verb
: to fall into small pieces
stone that crumbles quickly
: fall to decay or ruin : disintegrate , collapse
crumbling walls
Synonyms: see decay
II. noun
( -s )
1. dialect : crumb
2. : crumbling substance : fine debris