i Register
In some senses, crumble is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
verb
To fall apart; to disintegrate.
The bread roll crumbled when I tried to slice it; it was too stale.
The empire crumbled when the ruler's indiscretions came to light.
To break into crumbs.
We crumbled some bread into the water.
To mix (ingredients such as flour and butter) in such a way as to form crumbs.
Using your fingers, crumble the ingredients with the fingertips, lifting in an upward motion, until the mixture is sandy and resembles large breadcrumbs.
noun
A dessert of British origin containing stewed fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of fat, flour, and sugar.
blackberry and apple crumble
name
A surname.