debris

The word “debris” means scattered pieces of wreckage, rubble, or litter left after something is destroyed or broken apart. In plain terms, the broken bits and pieces left behind after destruction — from a crash, storm, or explosion.

“Debris” is pronounced DEHB-ree (/dəˈbɹiː/ in IPA).

Here is “debris” used in a sentence: “Firefighters searched through the debris for survivors.”

Words with a similar meaning to “debris” include detritus, remains, ruins, rubbish, rubble and wreckage.

“Debris” is a noun.

The word “debris” comes from Old French. From French débris, from Old French debrisier, "to break apart" — ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to break violently.".

“Debris” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Debris is an uncountable (mass) noun and takes a singular verb, as in 'the debris was cleared away.' It has no separate plural form, so you would not say 'debrises.'

Rubble refers specifically to broken pieces of stone, brick, or concrete, usually from a collapsed building. Debris is a broader term for any scattered fragments left after something is destroyed, including wood, metal, or litter.

Litter is rubbish or trash that people drop or leave lying around. Debris is scattered wreckage or fragments left after something is broken or destroyed, rather than casually discarded waste.

Common combinations include 'space debris,' 'flying debris,' 'storm debris,' and 'debris field.' The word also pairs often with 'scattered,' 'clear,' or 'remove.'