breadcrumb

[ bred-kruhm ]

noun

1. a crumb of bread, either dried or soft.
2. Usually breadcrumbs. Also called breadcrumb trail. Digital Technology. a sequence of text links on the current page of a website or web-based application, usually at the top, showing the page's location within a hierarchy of content or browsing history and providing a convenient navigational tool:

   Online shoppers can use breadcrumbs to see other products in the same category.

breadcrumb

/ ˈbrɛdˌkrʌm /

noun

1. the soft inner part of bread
2. plural bread crumbled into small fragments, as for use in cooking

verb

1. to coat (food) with breadcrumbs

   egg and breadcrumb the escalopes

Word History and Origins

Origin of breadcrumb¹

First recorded in 1760–70; bread none + crumb none

Example Sentences

Cooked in ovenproof shells or ramekins, scallops are nestled within a rich sauce of wine, herbs and cream then topped with toasty, cheesy breadcrumbs.

From Salon

When the young girl in her care dies, Estela comes under suspicion, and, during questioning, she leaves family secrets as breadcrumbs, daring detectives to follow her trail.

From Los Angeles Times

You will need a shallow pan for the flour, one for the eggs and one for the breadcrumbs.

From Salon

This, despite getting nothing from her subject save for breadcrumb trails that went cold, leads that dissolved into thin air.

From Los Angeles Times

Sprinkled with breadcrumbs, it comes out hearty but light, with a crispy top, creamy pasta and crisp-tender vegetables.

From Seattle Times