rubble
UK: ˈrʌb.əl | US: ˈrʌb.əl
n. broken fragments of stone, brick, or other building materials, especially after destruction
n. loose fragments of rock or debris
rubble = rubb<fragmentary material> + le<noun suffix>
- rubb (from Middle English robel, meaning "broken stones or debris")
- le (a diminutive or noun-forming suffix in English, often indicating small or fragmented objects)
Etymology Origin:
The word "rubble" traces back to Middle English robel or rubbel, referring to broken fragments of stone or brick. Its origin is likely imitative, echoing the sound or idea of crumbling or loose fragments. The suffix "-le" reinforces the notion of smallness or collectivity, common in words like "pebble" or "nibble." Over time, "rubble" became standardized to describe debris from demolished structures or natural rock fragments.
After the earthquake, the streets were filled with rubble from collapsed buildings.
Workers cleared the rubble to search for survivors.
The old castle is now just a pile of rubble.
The landslide left a trail of rubble across the road.
Archaeologists sifted through the rubble to uncover ancient artifacts.